Our Bones and Muscles Act As An Endocrine-like Organs and Other Interesting Nutritional Tidbits – Part 2
Hello Friends:
Part One briefly described some of the fascinating endocrine-like functions of our bones and muscles.
In Part Two, we will explore some interesting nutritional relationships outside of our usual understanding and acceptance of the key nutrients, such as Vitamin D3, K2, calcium, magnesium, trace minerals, protein, etc needed for strong bones, teeth, and muscles.
Though I say “acceptance”, this is not by far “done science”–we are learning new things all the time about these remarkable nutrients and their interaction with our cellular physiology, metabolism, and especially Vitamin D with our body composition in pre-and the more complicated physiology in post-menopausal women.
However, the ultimate dynamic lever point, with not only bone health but other constitutional considerations of the body, is largely pointed at maintaining the exquisite balance between the osteoblasts and osteoclast
However, we are not getting off this easily! It becomes very complicated.
Basically, there is a transition and migration of osteoblasts into the interior of the bone matrix, called a “burial”, and they become non-secreting structural osteocytes.
That means no more collagen secretion or release of the fascinating control hormone osteocalcin.
Osteocytes cross-talk with other osteocytes ( the most abundant bone cells in our body) and morph into bone stress sensors that can signal conditions and help mobilize the actions of the other bone cells via intra-bone communication channels.
“The Function of Osteocytes in Bone” Cell Biochem. 1994 Jul;55(3):287-99. doi: 10.1002/jcb.240550304. P J Nijweide
“… osteocytes represent the most abundant cell type of bone, we know as yet little about the role of the osteocyte in bone metabolism. Osteocytes descend from osteoblasts. They are formed by the incorporation of osteoblasts into the bone matrix. Osteocytes remain in contact with each other and with cells on the bone surface via gap junction-coupled cell processes passing through the matrix via small channels, the canaliculi, that connect the cell body-containing lacunae with each other and with the outside world. The potential functions of osteocytes include: responding to mechanical strain and sending signals of bone formation or bone resorption to the bone surface, modifying their microenvironment, and regulating both local and systemic mineral homeostasis”.
But what about “bone fat”? What’s this about?
Yes, fat inside the bone is normal, essential and part of the marrow, however, in obese, can become excessive and stimulate inflammation as mentioned in earlier blogs.
This inflammatory process creates demineralization and down-regulates the proficiency and function of the osteoblasts.
It becomes a significant and common secondary contributor to osteoporosis and osteopenia.
Not surprising, the incidence of cognitive decline and Alz is significantly higher in older adults with osteoporosis!
“Increased Risk of Dementia in Patients with Osteoporosis” – NCBI
It’s the parathyroid hormone secreted from the very tiny glands on the side of the Thyroid gland.
What keeps the parathyroid gland healthy? The literature supports the role of good amounts of calcium and vitamin D as essential.
As we age, often the parathyroid gland starts to sputter in its effectiveness, and thus less Parathyroid hormone (PTH) in many cases, which can undermine the osteoblasts.
But what can we do if PTH is not quite doing the job for the osteoblasts other than exclusively resorting to PTH injections or in some cases steroid hormones under prescription?
Do you remember earlier when discussed the inflammatory component of osteoporosis coming from immunologically active adipose tissue and cells?
So this purpose, it’s to take the edge off putting everything on PTH making osteoblasts healthier, and reducing the other competing stressors on the bones as much as possible to make PTH relatively more effective.
This means including loads of antioxidants, especially polyphenols and humol compounds, like xanthohumol, as found in hops, beer, and many vegetables.
But also oleuropein from olives is a big-time winner. Whether as the whole olives, extracts, and yes, extra virgin olive oil.
Is olive leaf extract good for osteoporosis?