Association between serum fibroblast growth factor-23 concentration and development of hyperphosphatemia in normophosphatemic dogs with chronic kidney disease

Progress of Wnt Signaling Pathway in Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis, one of the serious health diseases, involves bone mass loss, bone density diminishing, and degeneration of bone microstructure, which is accompanied by a tendency toward bone fragility and a predisposition to fracture. More than 200 million people worldwide suffer from osteoporosis, and the cost of treating osteoporotic fractures is expected to reach at least $25 billion by 2025. The generation and development of osteoporosis are regulated by genetic factors and regulatory factors such as TGF-β, BMP, and FGF through multiple pathways, including the Wnt signaling pathway, the Notch signaling pathway, and the MAPK signaling pathway. Among them, the Wnt signaling pathway is one of the most important pathways. It is not only involved in bone development and metabolism but also in the differentiation and proliferation of chondrocytes, mesenchymal stem cells, osteoclasts, and osteoblasts. Dkk-1 and SOST are Wnt inhibitory proteins that can inhibit the activation of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway and block the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. Therefore, they may serve as potential targets for the treatment of osteoporosis. In this review, we analyzed the mechanisms of Wnt proteins, β-catenin, and signaling molecules in the process of signal transduction and summarized the relationship between the Wnt signaling pathway and bone-related cells. We hope to attract attention to the role of the Wnt signaling pathway in osteoporosis and offer new perspectives and approaches to making a diagnosis and giving treatment for osteoporosis.

Assessment of the measurement of canine and feline serum fibroblast growth factor-23 concentrations by automated chemiluminescence immunoassay

This study compared canine and feline fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23 concentration measurements between automated chemiluminescence assay (CLEIA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Seventy serum samples each from dogs and cats were evaluated. FGF-23 measurements by CLEIA significantly correlated with those of ELISA in both dogs and cats. The Bland–Altman test showed that FGF-23 between CLEIA and ELISA had fixed and proportional biases, respectively, in both dogs and cats. Measurements by CLEIA were lower than those of ELISA, especially in higher serum FGF-23 concentrations. This study showed that FGF-23 concentrations in dogs and cats can be evaluated by automated CLEIA. However, FGF-23 cannot be directly compared between CLEIA and ELISA.

Association between serum fibroblast growth factor-23 concentration and development of hyperphosphatemia in normophosphatemic dogs with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23 is increased first in the sequence of changes associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD)-mineral and bone disorder. Thus, its measurement may serve as a predictive indicator of incident hyperphosphatemia.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether serum FGF-23 concentration in normophosphatemic dogs with CKD is associated with the risk of the subsequent development of hyperphosphatemia and CKD progression.

ANIMALS

Forty-two normophosphatemic dogs with CKD.

METHODS

Blood samples and medical records were retrospectively investigated. Hyperphosphatemia was defined as a serum phosphorous concentration >5.0 mg/dL. Progression was defined as a >1.5-fold increase in serum creatinine concentration. The time periods and hazard ratios for these outcomes were assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis, log-rank test, and univariate Cox regression analysis. The variables associated with the outcomes in the univariate analysis were included in the multivariate Cox regression model with backward selection.

RESULTS

Serum FGF-23 concentration >528 pg/mL was associated with a shorter time to development of hyperphosphatemia (P < .001) and CKD progression (P < .001). In multiple Cox regression analysis, increased FGF-23 concentration remained a significant variable associated with these outcomes (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Increased FGF-23 concentration in normophosphatemic dogs with CKD was associated with significant risk of development of hyperphosphatemia, independent of CKD stage, and of the progression of CKD. Future research focusing on whether interventions that decrease FGF-23 secretion will slow the development of hyperphosphatemia and CKD progression is needed.