IBMS BoneKEy | BoneKEy Watch
Do LRP5 mutations impact on serotonin levels in plasma, serum or platelets?
DOI:10.1038/bonekey.2014.41
Levels of circulating serotonin were measured in 16 people with LRP5 mutations associated with high bone mass to find out more about the link between these two factors.
As expected, the bone density scores measured in the LRP5-mutation group were significantly higher than in 16 age-matched controls. ELISA results showed a significant difference in serum levels, with serotonin levels higher in the G171V-positive and N198S-positive individuals. No differences were detected in serotonin levels between samples of platelet poor plasma or platelet pellet from the mutation group and controls.
The individuals carrying the LRP5 mutations were from two families and had either a G171V mutation (n=14) or an N198S mutation (n=2). Serotonin levels detected in platelet pellet samples in two of the N198S individuals were much higher compared with the two individuals with the G171V mutation (2540, ng/mL vs. 646.1±156.8 ng/mL.
Editor’s comment: This study does not entirely clarify the relationship between circulating serotonin levels and LRP5 mutations. However, the suggested confirmation that LRP5 acts to increase bone density in pathways involving serotonin is important because orally available selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are already being tested in phase 2 clinical trials.
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