Osteocalcin ELISA Kit

Osteocalcin is a non-collagenous protein hormone primarily synthesized by osteoblasts, the bone-forming cells, and is one of the most abundant proteins in the bone matrix. It plays a crucial role in bone mineralization and calcium ion homeostasis. Osteocalcin production is regulated by vitamin D and vitamin K, as it requires γ-carboxylation to bind effectively to hydroxyapatite in bone. The protein exists in two major forms: carboxylated osteocalcin (cOC), which is associated with bone matrix formation, and undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC), which circulates in the blood and is linked to metabolic regulation.

In clinical settings, osteocalcin serves as a valuable biomarker of bone formation and turnover, reflecting osteoblastic activity. Elevated serum osteocalcin levels can indicate increased bone turnover as seen in conditions like hyperparathyroidism, Paget’s disease, and osteoporosis under treatment, whereas decreased levels may be associated with low bone formation states, such as glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Measurement of osteocalcin can help monitor the effectiveness of anti-resorptive or anabolic therapies for bone disorders.

In research contexts, osteocalcin has gained attention beyond bone physiology for its endocrine functions, particularly its role in energy metabolism. Undercarboxylated osteocalcin has been shown to influence insulin secretion, glucose metabolism, and even male fertility, positioning it as a link between bone and metabolic health. As a result, researchers use osteocalcin not only to study bone turnover dynamics but also to explore its emerging roles in systemic physiology, including its potential involvement in metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.

This product is manufactured in USA by Eagle Biosciences.