title: [The endocrine function of the skeleton].
abstract: Skeleton has long been recognized as a organ supporting body system and regulating metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. Recent researches found that bone cells, especially osteoblast and osteoclast, synthesize and secrete various bioactive molecules, such as bone morphogenetic proteins, growth factors, adipokines, inflammatory cytokines and cardiovascular bioactive peptides. The active factors produced by bone not only play important roles in the skeleton system per se by paracrine/autocrine pathway but also regulate energy metabolism, inflammatory process, endocrine homeostasis by endocrine pathway.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Cardiovascular Bioactive Molecule, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
authors.forename: Xiao-Hui
authors.initials: XH
authors.lastname: Duan
authors.forename: Xiao-Xuan
authors.initials: XX
authors.lastname: Qu
authors.forename: Jin-Rui
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Yong-Fen
authors.initials: YF
authors.lastname: Qi
authors.forename: Chao-Shu
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Tang
mesh_terms: D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology*; D004703:Endocrine System / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D010006:Osteoblasts / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D015675:Osteocalcin / Q000378:metabolism; D010010:Osteoclasts / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D053244:Osteoprotegerin / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; D053244:Osteoprotegerin; D015675:Osteocalcin