Sclerostin, a key protein for cardiovascular health in patients with type 2 diabetes

A study carried out by the MP20 research group on Biomarkers of Metabolic and Bone Diseases of the Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA) led by Professor Manuel Muñoz Torres, has revealed significant findings on the role of sclerostin in Protection against atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Sclerostin, commonly associated with the regulation of bone formation, has emerged as a protective factor in vascular health, especially in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Atherosclerosis, a common complication of this disease, involves the deposition of substances such as cholesterol and fats in the arteries, resulting in the formation of plaques that can reduce blood flow and increase the risk of serious cardiovascular diseases.

The study, led by Professor Manuel Muñoz Torres together with Drs. Beatriz and Cristina García Fontana, included 121 controls and 139 patients with type 2 diabetes (48 with cardiovascular disease and 91 without) and revealed significantly elevated levels of sclerostin in patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, establishing a possible connection between this protein and atherosclerosis. Furthermore, it was shown that sclerostin plays a beneficial role in reducing arterial calcification associated with the development of atherosclerosis.

This group of scientists from ibs.GRANADA, the San Cecilio Clinical University Hospital of Granada, the CIBER for Frailty and Healthy Aging (CIBERFES) belonging to the Carlos III Health Institute and the University of Granada carried out in vitro experiments on vascular smooth muscle cells. replicating pathophysiological conditions of patients with type 2 diabetes and showed that sclerostin overexpression reduced calcium deposits, decreased cell proliferation and inflammation, and promoted cell survival.

Therefore, the results, which are part of the doctoral thesis of researcher Sheila González Salvatierra, warn against the use of treatments that involve anti-sclerostin antibodies in patients with type 2 diabetes, since blocking the action of sclerostin could increase the cardiovascular risk. This discovery highlights the importance of following the instructions of regulatory agencies when prescribing these medications, which are contraindicated in people with high cardiovascular risk.

The researchers of this work pointed out the clinical relevance of these findings, which have the potential to significantly impact therapeutic strategies for patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

This study was funded by projects from the Junta de Andalucía, the Carlos III Health Institute and the European Regional Development Fund, as well as by the CIBER on Frailty and Healthy Aging (CIBERFES).

About the group

The MP20-Biomarkers of Metabolic and Bone Diseases group of the ibs.GRANADA is dedicated to the identification of biomarkers and new therapeutic targets in prevalent pathologies. Its research lines cover a wide range of vital areas, from the development of innovative diagnostic kits in collaboration with biotechnology companies to clinical trials of anti-osteoporotic and anti-diabetic drugs. Additionally, the group stands out for its pioneering work in the application of non-invasive techniques, such as the Trabecular Bone Score and the 3D Shaper, to evaluate bone architecture and early diagnose bone fragility. His research also focuses on understanding the role of bone and muscle as endocrine organs, as well as identifying potential inhibitory molecules of metabolic pathways related to vascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes, using bioinformatics tools such as molecular docking and biology techniques. structural. In addition, they explore the genetic, hormonal and nutritional influences on bone fragility, as well as the interaction between bone fragility, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease as diseases linked to aging. Its collaboration with prominent research networks such as CIBERFES and CIBEROBN strengthens its reach and contributes to significant progress in knowledge of these key areas of health.

Bibliographic reference:

González-Salvatierra S, García-Fontana C, Lacal J, Andújar-Vera F, Martínez-Heredia L, Sanabria-de la Torre R, Ferrer-Millán M, Moratalla-Aranda E, Muñoz-Torres M, García-Fontana B. Cardioprotective function of sclerostin by reducing calcium deposition, proliferation, and apoptosis in human vascular smooth muscle cells. Cardiovascular Diabetol. 2 Nov 2023;22(1):301.