Serum fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) and fracture risk in elderly men.

A normal mineral metabolism is integral for skeletal development and preservation of bone integrity. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) is a bone-derived circulating factor that decreases serum concentrations of inorganic phosphorous (P(i)) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)]. Increased FGF-23 expression is a direct or indirect culprit in several skeletal disorders; however, the relation between FGF-23 and fracture risk remains undetermined.