Inhibitors of the Wnt pathway in osteoporosis: A review of mechanisms of action and potential as therapeutic targets

The Wnt signaling pathway is one of the most important and critical signaling pathways for maintaining cellular functions, such as cell proliferation and differentiation. Increasing evidence substantiates that the Wnt signaling pathway also plays a significant role in the regulation of bone formation in osteoporosis. Accordingly, inhibitors of this pathway, such as sclerostin, Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), WNT inhibitory factor 1 (WIF1), and secreted frizzled-related proteins (SFRPs), have a negative regulatory role in bone formation and may serve as effective therapeutic targets for osteoporosis. This review examines the mechanisms of action of Wnt signaling pathway inhibitors in osteoporosis, the relationship between the Wnt pathway and its inhibitors, and new molecular targets for osteoporosis treatment. Overall, the regulatory mechanisms of Wnt pathway inhibitors are summarized to provide scientific and theoretical guidance for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.