Osteocalcin - Function

Function

Osteocalcin is secreted solely by osteoblasts and thought to play a role in the body's metabolic regulation and is pro-osteoblastic, or bone-building, by nature. It is also implicated in bone mineralization and calcium ion homeostasis. Osteocalcin acts as a hormone in the body, causing beta cells in the pancreas to release more insulin, and at the same time directing fat cells to release the hormone adiponectin, which increases sensitivity to insulin.

Current data suggests a possible role of osteocalcin in male fertility. Research from Columbia University Medical Center proposes that osteocalcin may enhance the synthesis of testosterone, which is a hormone believed to regulate aspects of male fertility. Although these studies were initially performed by only a single laboratory, at least two other groups have independently confirmed the role of osteocalcin in insulin secretion.