Additionally, RUNX2, OCN and Alizarin red staining were all upregulated in the osteogenic conditions, and further upregulated in the hyperglycaemic conditions, suggesting that hyperglycaemic conditions, which are manifested in diabetes, are likely to contribute the development of calcification, and that SIRT1 activation may inhibit this development23,45. Here, RUNX2 is linked to diabetes mellitus.