Bone has recently been found to be an endocrine organ, which has led to many investigations on the relationship between bone hormones and diabetes. For example, osteocalcin (OC) secreted by osteoblast could not only stimulate beta cells’ expression and promote their proliferation, but also increase the expression of adiponectin (APN) in the adipose tissues. Moreover, OC can increase energy release, improve glycolipid metabolism, as well as regulate fat content. It was newly found that lipocalin2 (LCN2), highly expressed in adipose tissues, can be secreted by osteoblasts and is closely related to obesity, high blood glucose, insulin resistance and other metabolic disorders. In addition, researchers have found that LCN2 can act on brain neurons and affect one’s appetite. These discoveries reveal a new mechanism of energy-balance regulation, which may be a predictor of diabetes risk and provide a new target for treatment. |