INSL3 in the muscolo-skeletal system. (1st May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: De Toni, Luca; Agoulnik, Alexander I.; Sandri, Marco; Foresta, Carlo; Ferlin, Alberto
• Is Part Of: Molecular and cellular endocrinology. Volume 487(2019)
• Page Start: 12
• Page End: 17
• Publication Date: 2019-05-01
• Subjects: INSL3 -- RXFP2 -- Leydig cells -- Hypogonadism -- Osteoporosis -- Sarcopenia; Endocrinology -- Periodicals; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Periodicals; Endocrinology -- Periodicals; Hormones -- Periodicals; Endocrinologie -- Périodiques; Cytology; Endocrinology; Molecular biology; Periodicals; 573.4
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.12.021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0303-7207

Abstract

Abstract: Bone and skeletal muscle are currently considered a unified functional unit, showing complementary regulation at mechanical, biochemical, paracrine and metabolic levels. This functional unit undergoes a central hormonal regulation which is mainly ascribed to sex steroids and, in particular, androgens. However, recent evidence suggest that another testicular hormone lines the classical anabolic effect of testosterone on bone and muscle, the insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) acting on its specific receptor RXFP2. This minireview focuses on the most recent findings describing the role of INSL3/RXFP2 axis on the muscolo-skeletal system, from the mechanistic insights to the phenotypic consequences. Pathophysiological and therapeutic widenings deriving from available data are also discussed. Highlights: Bone and muscle function is centrally sustained by sex steroids, mainly androgens. Low INSL3 levels are detected in osteopenia/sarcopenia with normal testosterone. INSL3 contributes to bone maintenance acting on osteoblasts and osteocytes. KO mice for INSL3-receptor show reduced protection against muscle loss and weakness. INSL3 signaling parallels androgens anabolic action on bone-muscle unit.