Apelin-13, a regulator of autophagy, apoptosis and inflammation in multifaceted bone protection

•Apelin-13 plays an osteoprotective role by regulating the autophagy and apoptosis of BMSCs.•Apelin-13 promotes the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.•Apelin-13 attenuates the progression of arthritis by regulating the inflammatory response of macrophages. Apelin/APJ is widely distributed in various tissues in the body and participates in the regulation of physiological and pathological mechanisms such as autophagy, apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Apelin-13 is an adipokine family member with multiple biological roles and has been shown to be involved in the development and progression of bone diseases. In the process of osteoporosis and fracture healing, Apelin-13 plays an osteoprotective role by regulating the autophagy and apoptosis of BMSCs, and promotes the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. In addition, Apelin-13 also attenuates the progression of arthritis by regulating the inflammatory response of macrophages. In conclusion, Apelin-13 has an important connection with bone protection, which provides a new strategy for the clinical treatment of bone-related diseases.