Suppression of Sclerostin and Dickkopf-1 levels in patients with fluorine bone injury

Evidence has been accumulating for the role of Sclerostin and Dickkopf-1 as the antagonists of Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway, which suppresses bone formation through inhibiting osteoblastic function. To get deep-inside information about the expression of the antagonists in patients with fluorine bone injury, a case-control study was conducted in two counties in Hubei Province. Urinary and serum fluoride were significantly higher in patients with fluorine bone injury than in healthy controls. Additionally, patients with fluorine bone injury had significantly lower serum Sclerostin and Dickkopf-1 levels compared with healthy controls (P < 0.001). Serum Sclerostin and Dickkopf-1 levels were significantly correlated with serum fluoride in all studied subjects (n = 186). Low Sclerostin and Dickkopf-1 levels were associated with a significantly increased risk of fluorine bone injury. In conclusion, serum Sclerostin and Dickkopf-1 might be used as important markers of bone metabolism change and potential therapeutic targets to treat fluorine bone injury.

► We examined serum fluorine, urinary fluorine, Sclerostin and Dickkopf-1 levels. ► Urinary and serum fluoride increased in patients with fluoride bone injury. ► Serum Sclerostin and Dickkopf-1 levels were suppressed. ► Serum fluoride had negative correlation with serum Sclerostin and Dickkopf-1. ► Low Sclerostin and Dickkopf-1 levels had significant effect on the risk of fluoride bone injury.