Sclerostin Antibody Treatment Increases Bone Mass and Normalizes Circulating Phosphate Levels in Growing Hyp Mice.

Abstract

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), caused by a loss-of-function mutation in the phosphate regulating gene with homology to endopeptidase located on the X chromosome (PHEX), is the most common form of vitamin D-resistant rickets. Loss of functional PHEX results in elevated fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) levels, impaired phosphate reabsorption, and inhibited skeletal mineralization. Sclerostin, a protein produced primarily in osteocytes, suppresses bone formation by antagonizing Wnt signaling and is reported to be elevated in XLH patients. This study used the Hyp mouse model to investigate sclerostin's role in the pathophysiology of XLH by evaluating the use of a monoclonal antibody to sclerostin in a mouse model of XLH, the Hyp mouse. Male and female wild-type and Hyp littermates were injected with 25 mg/kg of vehicle or sclerostin antibody (Scl-Ab) twice weekly, beginning at 4 weeks of age and euthanized at 8 weeks of age. Scl-Ab treatment increased serum phosphate levels and suppressed circulating levels of intact FGF23 in treated wild-type and Hyp mice of both sexes. Cortical area, trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV), metaphyseal apparent density, and the peak load increased with Scl-Ab treatment in both sexes. This short-term treatment study suggests that Scl-Ab treatment can effectively improve some of the pathologies associated with XLH, including normalization of phosphate, and that sclerostin may play a role in regulating FGF23 and phosphate metabolism in XLH. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.