Sclerostin: a new biomarker of interest in nephrology

Sclerostin is an osteocyte-specific glycoprotein secreted by the osteocyte and involved in the regulation of bone mass. High sclerostin levels are associated with osteoporosis, whereas low sclerostin levels are correlated with higher bone mineral density. It seems interesting to investigate a potential association between sclerostin levels and vascular calcifications since sclerostin is considered as a potent inhibitor of bone formation. In chronic kidney disease, serum sclerostin levels rise as renal function declines. Preliminary studies show a positive association between serum sclerostin and vascular calcification, but the link between sclerostin and survival of patients remains unclear in the absence of large-scale studies.