Sclerostin Linked with Reduce short-term Mortality Risk in Dialysis Patients

Among 673 incident dialysis patients enrolled in a prospective cohort study in the Netherlands, those with the highest levels of circulating sclerostin had a 71% and 61% decreased risk for cardiovascular death and all-cause mortality, respectively, within 18 months compared to those with the lowest levels of the glycoprotein. The findings are published in Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation. Sclerostin is secreted by osteocytes and inhibits bone formation. While recent research suggests that sclerostin may play a role in uremic and non-uremic cardiovascular calcification processes, additional studies are needed to reveal the mechanisms involved.