Obesity and Bone Mineral Density Protection Paradox in Chronic Kidney Disease: Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine as a Piece of the Puzzle?

Abstract

Obesity is a health condition that represents a risk factor for numerous diseases and complications. However, obesity might also have—to some extent—some “benefits” in certain situations. This includes potential bone protection in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease. In an attempt to explain such a paradox, we highlight secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) as a hypothetical mediator of this protection. Indeed, SPARC properties provide a logical rationale to describe such bone protection via its overexpression combined with its calcium-binding and collagen-binding properties. We believe that exploring such hypotheses could open new doors to elucidate unknown pathways towards developing a new generation of molecular therapies.

Keywords

• secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC/osteonectin)
• obesity paradox
• chronic kidney disease
• bone density protection