Explore our research into novel biomarker testing
Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) is a protein involved in the regulation of bone metabolism and plays an important role in bone and joint remodelling. It acts by inhibiting signalling pathways that promote bone formation; consequently, elevated DKK-1 levels may be associated with increased bone loss, whereas reduced levels may reflect enhanced bone formation.
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Given its role in regulating bone remodelling pathways, DKK-1 shows promise as a diagnostic biomarker for bone and joint disorders characterised by either bone loss, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis, or abnormal bone formation, such as osteoarthritis. Elevated DKK-1 levels may indicate increased bone loss and could help identify individuals at greater risk of osteoporosis, particularly post-menopausal women. In patients presenting with joint pain and swelling, increased DKK-1 concentrations may be associated with rheumatoid arthritis. In contrast, lower DKK-1 levels may reflect the enhanced bone formation characteristic of osteoarthritis. Beyond musculoskeletal disease, elevated DKK-1 levels have also been reported in several cancers, including those of the liver, lung, prostate, breast, and ovary. Consequently, DKK-1 measurement may have potential utility in cancer detection, particularly when used alongside other tumour-associated biomarkers.
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