Abstract
Osteocalcin (OCN), a bone-derived hormone, considered as an indicator of bone turnover. Beyond its canonical role in bone metabolism, OCN may have many other functions as well. Studies have shown that it may also regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, cognitive function, sexual function, and more. Recently, OCN has become one interesting hormone with potential effects on acute stress response (ASR), which is essential for vertebrates’ survival. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the progress on the role of OCN in the pathophysiology of ASR and to thoroughly analyze the molecular mechanisms and significance of OCN in modulating ASR. In summary, a deeper understanding of OCN’s role in the ASR will help reveal how bone-derived signals integrate into stress regulatory networks and may guide the development of novel strategies to prevent or treat stress-related disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression, or stress-aggravated cardiac events). By focusing on the emerging OCN–stress axis, our review highlights an expanding perspective on bone as an endocrine organ influencing stress physiology.
1 Introduction
1.1 Overview of OCN
OCN, a small peptide consisting of 49 amino acid residues, is synthesized and secreted by osteoblasts and serves as a marker of mature bone tissue (Zoch et al., 2016). Initially, OCN gained attention due to its specific binding to hydroxyapatite, playing a crucial role in bone mineralization (). However, recent studies have revealed that OCN also functions as an endocrine factor, exerting regulatory effects on multiple organ systems throughout the body (Smith et al., 2024). After carboxylation, OCN binds to the bone matrix, while its undercarboxylated form enters the circulation to fulfill endocrine functions (). Animal experiments have shown that OCN acts through its receptor, G-protein coupled receptor class C group 6 member A (GPRC6A), which is expressed in various peripheral tissues (largely demonstrated in animal models) (Pi et al., 2017). In the central nervous system, OCN crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and may influence cognition, mood, and neuroprotection through its receptor, G-protein coupled receptor 158 (Gpr158) or G-protein coupled receptor 37 (Gpr37) (Oury et al., 2013). Peripherally, OCN regulates energy metabolism, insulin secretion, and male fertility (; Oury et al., 2011). Interestingly, some studies suggest a close relationship between OCN and ASR. Given the emerging recognition of bone as an endocrine organ that contributes to homeostasis it is important to investigate how OCN affects the ASR. Here, we present a comprehensive review of current findings on the OCN–ASR axis, integrating recent evidence and identifying knowledge gaps to be addressed in future research.
1.2 Definition and mechanisms of ASR
ASR is a complex set of neuroendocrine, metabolic, and behavioral adaptations initiated by an organism in the face of sudden physiological or psychological stressors to maintain homeostasis (). While this response is beneficial for coping with immediate threats, excessive or prolonged activation can lead to various health problems (McEwen, 2017). The ASR involves the coordinated activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary (SAM) axis (). Stress signals are transmitted via neural pathways to the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, stimulating the secretion of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and arginine vasopressin (AVP), which in turn prompt the synthesis of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the pituitary gland and the subsequent release of glucocorticoids (GCs) from the adrenal cortex (). GCs bind to widely distributed receptors and regulate immune, metabolic, and cardiovascular functions; however, their dysregulation is associated with numerous pathologies (). Activation of the SAM axis triggers the rapid release of catecholamines, such as epinephrine, facilitating the “fight-or-flight” response during stress (Tank and Lee Wong, 2015). The ASR also involves alterations in cytokines and neurotransmitters, but the key molecular mechanisms underlying these changes remain to be fully elucidated ().
2 OCN and ASR
2.1 Changes in OCN levels under stress
It has been hypothesized that OCN plays an evolutionary role in enabling vertebrates to respond to danger (the “fight-or-flight” response) (Morris, 2019). Consistent with this concept, multiple studies report that OCN levels significantly increase under acute stress (; Smith et al., 2021). During stress, amygdala signaling triggers the release of glutamate, which enters osteoblasts via the transporter protein Glast and competitively inhibits the γ-carboxylation of OCN. This acute inhibition leads to increased levels of uncarboxylated and undercarboxylated OCN that are released into the circulation within minutes (). Berger et al. found that a surge in serum OCN under acute stress contributes to classic ASR features such as a faster heart rate, enhanced breathing efficiency, and increased energy expenditure ().
Stress-induced OCN elevations have been documented in various contexts. For example, a systematic review of 13 exercise trials reported that acute aerobic exercise can elevate total OCN levels in middle-aged adults (Smith et al., 2021). However, the same review noted that older adults (both men and women) tended to show no significant change in OCN after similar exercise bouts (Smith et al., 2021), suggesting age-related differences in OCN responsiveness (It is worth noting that exercise imposes mechanical load on bone; thus, OCN release in these studies might be related to bone strain in addition to neuroendocrine stress.) In a clinical study of severe trauma, burn patients showed significantly elevated serum OCN in the prolonged stress phase (days 7–56 post-injury) (Muschitz et al., 2016). Jürimäe et al. observed that plasma OCN increased after a 1-h rowing exercise in female participants (). Similarly, Kelly et al. reported a significant rise in salivary OCN levels following 9 h of extreme cold-water dive training (). In a human psychosocial stress test (public speaking with cross-examination), circulating bioactive OCN levels also increased, correlating with an acute rise in heart rate and blood pressure (). Animal studies mirror these findings: in mice, circulating uncarboxylated OCN was about 50% higher after 45 min of restraint stress and about 150% higher after 150 min of electric foot shock (). Exposure of mice to a predator odor (2,4,5-trimethylthiazole, TMT) induced a rapid OCN spike within about 2.5 min (concurrent with the cortisol peak) that remained elevated for at least 3 h (). Rats subjected to acute foot restraint showed a significant increase in plasma OCN levels as well (Patterson-Buckendahl et al., 2007).
On the other hand, certain stress conditions can lower OCN levels. Some studies reported that patients experiencing acute myocardial infarction (AMI) exhibit decreased serum OCN, possibly due to stress-induced hypercortisolemia inhibiting OCN production (Napal et al., 1993; ; ). Tian et al. proposed that OCN is only increased in ASR scenarios that involve skeletal muscle activity, whereas purely psychological stressors (lacking physical movement) may lead to elevated GCs that suppress OCN levels (Tian et al., 2020). In support of this, Patterson-Buckendahl et al. noted that mild psychological stressors reduced plasma OCN in rats, while severe “fight-or-flight” stressors caused a rise in OCN (Patterson-Buckendahl et al., 1995). They speculated that in conditions like AMI, a reduction in OCN might be an adaptive response—by relieving OCN’s inhibition of the vagus nerve, parasympathetic (vagal) activity could increase to counterbalance the high sympathetic tone during extreme stress.
Table 1 (see below) provides a summary of key studies examining changes in OCN under acute stress across different models and conditions.
TABLE 1
| Study (Year) | Model/Subjects | Stressor/Condition | Key findings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mice; Humans | Foot shock, restraint, predator odor (mice); Public speaking stress test (humans) | Acute stress cause circulating OCN in mice rapid rise (50%–150% rise depending on stressor). In humans, bioactive OCN rise under psychosocial stress, correlating with heart rate and blood pressure rise | |
| Smith et al. (2021) | Middle-aged adults vs. older adults (exercise trials) | Single session of aerobic exercise | Middle-aged adults: OCN rise after acute exercise. Older adults: no significant OCN change. (Suggests age differences in OCN response to stress/exercise.) |
| Muschitz et al. (2016) | 32 adult males (clinical) | Severe burn injury (trauma); early vs. prolonged stress phases | Serum OCN significantly rise during prolonged stress phase (days 7–56 post-injury) compared to early phase, indicating sustained OCN elevation in chronic stress recovery |
| 13 female rowers | 1-h intensive rowing exercise | Plasma OCN significantly rise post-exercise in all participants, demonstrating OCN response to acute physical stress | |
| Military divers (training) | 9-h cold water dive training (extreme physical stress) | Salivary OCN levels rise after prolonged cold stress exposure, reflecting OCN release under extended acute stress | |
| Patterson-Buckendahl et al., (2007) | Rats | Acute foot restraint vs. chronic mild stress | Acute severe stressor: plasma OCN rise. Mild stressor: plasma OCN decrease (OCN response varies with stress intensity) |
| Napal et al. (1993) | Rats | Acute immobilization stress | Serum OCN decrease under acute stress, concurrent with corticosterone rise (early evidence that cortisol may suppress OCN) |
| Young adult men (≤40 years) | Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) | Patients with AMI showed significantly decreased OCN levels vs. controls, consistent with stress-related OCN suppression in acute cardiac events | |
| Humans | High-dose corticosteroid infusion (pharmacological stress) | Exogenous cortisol administration → rapid decrease serum OCN (demonstrating GC-mediated OCN suppression) | |
| Tian et al. (2020) | Opinion/letter (cardiac context) | Perspective on OCN in acute stress | OCN rise in ASR with skeletal muscle exertion; OCN decrease in purely neurogenic stress (due to GCs). Reinforces differing OCN responses depending on stress type |
| ; Moriishi and Komori. (2020) | Mice (OCN gene knockouts) | Genetic absence of OCN | Found no significant metabolic or hormonal abnormalities in OCN-null mice (contrasting prior studies). Suggests OCN’s endocrine role may be context-dependent or compensated by other factors |
A summary of key studies examining changes in OCN under acute stress across different models and conditions.
OCN, Osteocalcin; AMI, Acute myocardial infarction; GC, glucocorticoid.
2.2 OCN and HPA axis
The HPA axis is a central component of the mammalian stress response. Upon exposure to a stressor, the hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which stimulates the anterior pituitary to secrete ACTH. ACTH then acts on the adrenal cortex to promote the synthesis and release of GCs (primarily cortisol in humans and corticosterone in rodents) (Smith and Vale, 2006). GCs have wide-ranging effects that help the organism adapt to the stressor, but chronically high GC levels can be detrimental (Sapolsky et al., 2000).
GCs are known to suppress OCN expression and secretion in both rodents and humans (). Consistent with this, adrenalectomy (removal of endogenous GCs production) leads to a dramatic increase in circulating bioactive OCN after stress exposure, compared to sham-operated controls (). Recent studies suggest that OCN, in turn, can influence the HPA-axis stress response. OCN directly promotes the biosynthesis of GCs in rodents and primates. Genetic inactivation of OCN or its receptor significantly impairs adrenal growth and steroidogenesis, indicating that OCN is required for a normal adrenal stress response (Yadav et al., 2022). In fact, OCN from the embryo is necessary for proper expression of steroidogenic factor 1 (Sf1) in fetal adrenal cells and for their differentiation into steroid-producing cells. This developmental role of OCN determines the number of steroidogenic cells present in the adult adrenal gland and impacts adult adrenal growth and GC-producing capacity (Yadav et al., 2022). After birth, exogenous OCN administration can enhance corticosterone/cortisol production in both rodents and non-human primates, an effect that does not depend on upstream HPA signals (Yadav et al., 2022) (Figure 1). Accordingly, OCN knockout mice exhibit blunted HPA axis responses to stress and reduced stress-induced behavioral changes, confirming a regulatory role of OCN in HPA axis activity (Yano et al., 2005). Interestingly, chronic stress (e.g., repeated restraint) causes a decrease in OCN levels in bone and blood in mice, leading to weakened negative feedback on the HPA axis and prolonged cortisol elevation (Patterson-Buckendahl et al., 2012) (Figure 2). Clinically, acute stress-related events such as myocardial ischemia are associated with low OCN and high cortisol levels, supporting the notion that excessive GCs can suppress OCN during stress (Napal et al., 1993; ; ). This disruption of the normal OCN–HPA balance may play a role in stress-related pathology. In summary, the close interplay between OCN and HPA-axis activity provides insight into bone–brain crosstalk in the regulation of stress responses.
FIGURE 1
FIGURE 2
2.3 OCN and autonomic nervous system
Acute stress also activates an OCN-mediated pathway affecting the autonomic nervous system. As described above, stress signals from fear centers (such as the basolateral amygdala) () trigger glutamate release, which reaches osteoblasts via Glast and acutely inhibits the gamma-glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX) (). Consequently, bioactive uncarboxylated OCN is rapidly released into the circulation (). OCN then binds to GPRC6A receptors on postganglionic parasympathetic neurons, inhibiting acetylcholine synthesis and release. This reduces parasympathetic (vagal) tone while relatively increasing sympathetic activity, thereby facilitating the full expression of the fight-or-flight response (). Notably, this OCN-driven autonomic effect occurs even in adrenalectomized animals, demonstrating that it operates independently of adrenal catecholamine release (). In essence, OCN acts as a bone-derived signal that acutely tilts the autonomic balance toward sympathetic dominance during stress (Figure 3).
FIGURE 3
2.4 The relationship between OCN and inflammatory responses
Inflammatory responses are an important adaptive mechanism of the body in response to stress, but excessive or prolonged inflammatory reactions can lead to tissue damage and disease onset. Increasing evidence suggests that OCN has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory functions. In-vitro studies suggested that OCN can inhibit the chemotaxis, activation, and inflammatory factor release of macrophages and neutrophils (
2.5 OCN and stress-induced metabolic adaptations
Acute stress exposure triggers a rapid metabolic shift characterized by increased glucose release, insulin resistance and enhanced lipolysis (
Given its established role in energy metabolism, OCN may also modulate the metabolic response to acute stress. For instance, uncarboxylated OCN stimulates insulin secretion and improves insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues (
The relevance of OCN’s metabolic modulation during stress has potential implications for human health. It raises the question of whether boosting OCN activity could mitigate stress-related metabolic disturbances and reduce the risk of stress-exacerbated metabolic diseases. However, most evidence so far is correlational, and further research is needed to establish causality and to determine if OCN’s acute metabolic benefits translate to humans. It will be important to investigate, for example, whether individuals with higher baseline OCN are less prone to stress-induced hyperglycemia or if OCN analogs can blunt metabolic spikes during stress. These inquiries could open new avenues for preventing stress-related metabolic disorders.
3 The role of OCN in ASR-related diseases
3.1 OCN and anxiety and depression
Anxiety and depression are the most common stress-related mental disorders, severely impacting patients’ quality of life and mental health. Emerging evidence suggests that OCN is involved in the pathogenesis of these mood disorders. (
4 Summary and outlook
4.1 Current research limitations and gaps
Although encouraging progress has been made in research on the role of OCN in ASR and related diseases, there are still some limitations and gaps in current studies. Firstly, the understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which OCN regulates ASR is still insufficient, especially the dynamic interaction mechanisms between OCN and key ASR signaling pathways such as the HPA axis and autonomic nervous system, which need to be further elucidated (Ning et al., 2022; Mera et al., 2016). Secondly, there is a lack of systematic research on the dose-effect relationship, time window, and sex differences of OCN’s impact on ASR (Mizokami et al., 2014). For example, it is unknown how variations in baseline OCN or administered OCN doses might differentially affect acute stress outcomes, or whether females and males respond differently to OCN during stress. Additionally, many of the observed associations between OCN and stress-related outcomes are correlational, making it difficult to establish causality. For instance, physically active individuals often have lower anxiety and higher OCN levels, but increased OCN due to exercise does not necessarily mean that OCN itself reduces anxiety (other factors like endorphins or improved metabolic health could be at play). Similarly, if a study is conducted in a specific group (e.g., postmenopausal osteoporotic women), the results may not generalize to other populations or age groups. Future studies should account for such confounding factors and include diverse cohorts to clarify OCN’s role across different contexts. Thirdly, acute heart failure (HF) is another common heart disease involving ASR. However, until now, there have been no studies on OCN levels in patients with acute HF. Some studies in patients with chronic HF have shown inconsistent conclusions about changes in OCN levels (Schleithoff et al., 2003;
4.2 Potential applications of OCN in ASR research
Despite the current limitations, OCN and its analogs are expected to become novel targets for the prevention and treatment of abnormal stress responses. Firstly, OCN and its analogs are expected to become novel target for the effective prevention and treatment of stress-related mental disorders such as anxiety and depression (
In conclusion, as a representative of bone-derived endocrine factors involved in the regulation of ASR, OCN has opened up new research perspectives for deeply understanding the role of bone-brain, bone-immune, and bone-cardiovascular axis crosstalk in the dynamic regulation of an individual’s stress response. Further elucidating the molecular regulatory mechanisms and pathophysiological significance of OCN and exploring its potential applications in the prevention and treatment of psychosomatic diseases will be important directions for future basic and clinical research. As research in bone endocrinology and psychoneuroendocrinology continues to deepen, breakthroughs in understanding the OCN–ASR axis are likely to emerge. These advances will provide new scientific evidence and strategies for a multi-system approach to stress-related diseases, ultimately contributing to improved physical and mental health.
Statements
Author contributions
NK: Formal Analysis, Writing – original draft, Project administration, Investigation, Validation, Writing – review and editing, Conceptualization. JH: Writing – review and editing. XH: Writing – review and editing. ZL: Writing – review and editing. YY: Writing – review and editing. XG: Conceptualization, Funding acquisition, Project administration, Validation, Software, Resources, Writing – review and editing, Supervision, Formal Analysis, Methodology, Writing – original draft, Data curation, Investigation, Visualization. NY: Writing – review and editing, Writing – original draft, Funding acquisition.
Funding
The author(s) declare that financial support was received for the research and/or publication of this article. This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82271289, 82271222, 81901095 and 82101265) and Young Anesthesiologists Research Fund of the Anesthesiology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association (Z-2017-24-2421).
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
Generative AI statement
The author(s) declare that no Generative AI was used in the creation of this manuscript.
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Summary
Keywords
osteocalcin, acute stress response, HPA axis, anxiety and depression, cognition, bone-brain axis
Citation
Kang N, Huang J, Han X, Li Z, Yuan Y, Guo X and Yang N (2025) The role of osteocalcin in regulating the acute stress response. Front. Pharmacol. 16:1646558. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2025.1646558
Received
13 June 2025
Accepted
03 July 2025
Published
14 July 2025
Volume
16 - 2025
Edited by
Mohammad Afzal Khan, University of Maryland, United States
Reviewed by
Sara Taha Elazab, Mansoura University, Egypt
Sara Berggren, Region Halland, Sweden
Sergio Sanchez-Enriquez, Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico
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© 2025 Kang, Huang, Han, Li, Yuan, Guo and Yang.
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*Correspondence: Xiangyang Guo, puthmzk@hsc.pku.edu.cn; Ning Yang, yangning@bjmu.edu.cn
† These authors have contributed equally to this work and share first authorship
‡ These authors have contributed equally to this work and share corresponding author
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