Evaluation of sclerostin as a new biomarker in the diagnosis of osteoporosis

Background Sclerostin is a glycoprotein mostly produced by osteocytes; it has a key function in bone metabolism and the pathophysiology of osteoporosis. Objectives The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential use of sclerostin as a new biomarker in the diagnosis of osteoporosis. Methods This case-control cross-sectional study was carried in Najaf, in Iraq. Seventy patients diagnosed with osteoporosis were involved in the study. The control group consisted of 40 apparently healthy persons identified during the same period. Body Mass Index (BMI) categories were classified according to the world health organization classification. Serum sclerostin levels were determined by a sandwich ELISA technique. Results The mean sclerostin concentration in patients was 7.9 ± 2.3 ng/mL, much greater than that measured in the control group 2.88 ± 1.22 ng/mL. The univariate logistic regression analysis shows a significant association between high sclerostin levels and the likelihood of having osteoporosis, with an odds ratio of 1.66 and a p-value of < 0.034. The results also indicated that sclerostin reported a sensitivity of 78 % and specificity of 82 % (p-value 0.029). Conclusions This study indicated a strong association between high serum sclerostin levels and having osteoporosis risk, suggesting its potential as a bone health biomarker. Further research on larger sample is required to confirm its diagnostic value.