Evidence mapPaperPMID 41511732Full record

SynthesisAging clinical and experimental research2026

Beyond bone effects: the role of denosumab in muscle Health - A systematic review.

Chiara Ceolin, Chiara Ziliotto, Mario Virgilio Papa, Anna Bertocco, Giuseppe Sergi, Marina De Rui

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Aging clinical and experimental research, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Denosumab therapy is associated with a reduced risk of clinically diagnosed rotator cuff tears: a multi-institutional real-world cohort study.Osteoporosis international : a journal established as result of cooperation between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA · 2026
    Article
  2. Why Osteosarcopenia Matters: Clinical and Investigative Implications.European journal of clinical investigation · 2026
    Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Chiara Ceolin *Geriatric Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
Chiara Ziliotto *Geriatric Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
Mario Virgilio PapaGeriatric Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy. mariovirgilio.papa@phd.unipd.it.
Anna BertoccoGeriatric Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
Giuseppe SergiGeriatric Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
Marina De RuiGeriatric Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundDenosumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting RANKL, is widely used for the treatment of osteoporosis. In addition to its skeletal benefits, emerging evidence suggests that denosumab may also exert positive effects on muscle health by modulating inflammation, myostatin expression, and insulin sensitivity through the RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway.

aimsTo systematically review the available literature on the effects of denosumab on muscle-related outcomes, including muscle strength, muscle mass, physical performance, and fall risk.

methodsA systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Databases including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched through May 2025 for studies evaluating the impact of denosumab on muscle health in human subjects. Outcomes of interest included grip strength, lean muscle mass, gait speed, fall incidence, and physical performance tests.

resultsSeven studies met the inclusion criteria, including randomized trials and observational cohorts. Most reported favorable outcomes for denosumab compared to bisphosphonates or placebo, particularly in grip strength and physical performance. Preclinical studies further support the biological role of RANKL in muscle dysfunction. However, one recent randomized controlled trial in older adults residing in long-term care settings found no significant effect on muscle outcomes, highlighting inconsistencies in the evidence. DISCUSSION: Denosumab shows potential for improving muscle-related outcomes in older adults, particularly those with osteosarcopenia.

conclusionsCurrent evidence is heterogeneous and inconclusive. Further high-quality randomized trials are needed to clarify the effects of denosumab on muscle health and its possible role in sarcopenia prevention and management.

Indexed as

Bone Density Conservation AgentsDenosumabMuscle, SkeletalMuscle StrengthAccidental FallsHand StrengthHumansOsteoporosisRANK LigandBone Density Conservation AgentsDenosumabRANK LigandDenosumabFallsHandgripMuscle strengthSarcopenia

Identifiers

PMID41511732
PMCPMC12819549

What Socratic holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.