Work

Colostrum Whey Protein Attenuates Osteoporosis via Osteogenic Stimulation, Anti-Resorptive Effects, and Hepatic-Bone Axis Modulation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Osteoporosis, a prevalent skeletal disorder aggravated by estrogen deficiency, is a major global health concern that presents significant clinical challenges, particularly for postmenopausal women. This study evaluates the therapeutic potential of colostrum whey protein (CWP) in mitigating estrogen deficiency-induced osteoporosis through both in vivo (ovariectomized murine model) and in vitro (osteoblast culture) approaches. In ovariectomized (OVX) mice, CWP administration increased bone mineral density (BMD) by 45%, elevated trabecular number (Tb.N) by 38%, restored trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), and reduced trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) by 40%. Histomorphometric analysis confirmed enhanced trabecular structure, collagen restoration, and reduced osteoclast activity. CWP also restored bone metabolism by increasing alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels, while decreasing receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) levels. Mechanistic studies showed that CWP modulated the hepatic-bone axis through suppression of PP2ACα and induction of lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), facilitating cholesterol transport. Furthermore, CWP upregulated osteogenic markers (bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX-2), and activated MAPK, BMP/Smad, and WNT/β-catenin signaling pathways, promoting osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization in vitro. These findings highlight CWP’s dual role in enhancing bone formation and inhibiting resorption through both local (osteoblast activation) and systemic (hepatic-bone axis modulation) mechanisms. Collectively, CWP emerges as a promising multi-target therapeutic candidate for osteoporosis, bridging bone remodeling and metabolic crosstalk. Additional translational studies are warranted to validate its clinical efficacy.

Source: Food Science and Human Wellness

DOI: 10.26599/fshw.2025.9250871

Authors: Guozhi Ji, Shuzhen Cheng, Xinnuo Wang, Mati Ullah Khan, Lijun You

Institutions: South China University of Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University

Language: English

Topic: Bone Metabolism and Diseases

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: National Key Research and Development Program of China, Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation of Guangdong Province