NUCB2/nesfatin-1, a member of the adipokine family, is a peptide hormone with pleiotropic action. It has been found in different tissues, including cartilage and bone cells. Nesfatin-1 is produced by chondrocytes, and its synthesis increases with the degree of cell differentiation and upon stimulation by pro-inflammatory cytokines, as shown in an in vitro study. An increase in serum levels of nesfatin-1 has been observed in humans with osteoarthritis, which indicates the influence of pro-inflammatory cytokines on nesfatin-1 release. On the other hand, nesfatin-1 stimulates the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines by chondrocytes, which suggests its participation, together with other adipokines, in the pathogenesis and/or progression of inflammatory complications of cartilage degenerative diseases. Nesfatin-1 also promotes pre-osteoblastic cell differentiation and mineralization and inhibits macrophage differentiation towards osteoclasts. Moreover, exogenous nesfatin-1 given to ovariectomized rats reduces osteopenic changes. Therefore, it seems that nesfatin-1 may play a protective role in cartilage and bone diseases. However, further studies are required to determine whether nesfatin-1 can be used for monitoring and treatment of cartilage and bone diseases.
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