Amylin in bone conservation current evidence and hypothetical Considerations

Abstract Amylin, a 37-amino-acid long single-chain polypeptide, is structurally homologous to calcitonin and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). The peptide is secreted from pancreatic β cells and is thought to have an anti-insulin action. Here, we review the recently described effects of amylin on calcium homeostasis and discuss its possible role in bone conservation. Amylin is a potent hypocalcemic and antiresorptive peptide. Studies using isolated osteoclasts have revealed that amylin inhibits cell motility (Q effect), without affecting cell spread area or elevating cytosolic [Ca 2+ ]. Thus, amylin action is similar to that of calcitonin, but lower in potency. Lower circulating concentrations of amylin in type-1 diabetes may cause the bone loss associated with this condition.