Skin Disorders and Osteoporosis: Unraveling the Interplay Between Vitamin D, Microbiota, and Epigenetics Within the Skin–Bone Axis

Abstract

Growing scientific evidence suggests a strong interconnection between inflammatory skin diseases and osteoporosis (OP), a systemic condition characterized by decreased bone density and structural fragility. These conditions seem to share common pathophysiological mechanisms, including immune dysregulation, chronic inflammation, and vitamin D deficiency, which play a crucial role in both skin and bone health. Additionally, the roles of gut microbiota (GM) and epigenetic regulation via microRNAs (miRNAs) emerge as key elements influencing the progression of both conditions. This review aims to examine the skin–bone axis, exploring how factors such as vitamin D, GM, and miRNAs interact in a subtle pathophysiological interplay driving skin inflammation and immune-metabolic bone alterations. Recent research suggests that combined therapeutic approaches—including vitamin D supplementation, targeted microbiota interventions, and miRNA-based therapies—could be promising strategies for managing comorbid inflammatory skin diseases and OP. This perspective highlights the need for multidisciplinary approaches in the clinical management of conditions related to the skin-bone axis.