Digestive Profiles of Human Milk, Recombinant Human and Bovine Lactoferrin: Comparing the Retained Intact Protein and Peptide Release

Lactoferrin (LF) is a major component of human milk. LF supplementation (currently bovine) supports the immune system and helps maintain iron homeostasis in adults. No recombinant human lactoferrin (rhLF) is available for commercial food use. To determine the extent to which rhLF (Effera™) produced by Komagataella phaffii digests similarly to hmLF, a validated in vitro digestion protocol was carried out. Bovine LF (bLF) was used as an additional control, as it is approved for use in various food categories. This study compared the extent of intact protein retention and the profile of peptides released in hmLF, bLF and rhLF (each with low and high iron saturation) across simulated adult gastric and intestinal digestion using gel electrophoresis, ELISA and LC-MS. Intact LF retention across digestion was similar across LF types, but the highest iron-saturated hmLF had greater retention in the simulated gastric fluid than all other sample types. Peptides identified in digested hmLF samples strongly correlated with digested rhLF samples (0.86 < r < 0.92 in the gastric phase and 0.63 < r < 0.70 in the intestinal phase), whereas digested bLF samples were significantly different. These findings support the potential for rhLF as a food ingredient for human consumption.

Topical oxygen therapy as a novel strategy to promote wound healing and control the bacteria in implantology, oral surgery and periodontology: A review

Globally, oral infections and inflammatory lesions persist as substantial public health concerns, necessitating the introduction of novel oral treatment protocols. Oral diseases are linked to various causative factors, with dental plaque/biofilm resulting from inadequate hygiene practices playing a predominant role. The strategic implementation of novel topical therapies holds promise for effectively controlling the biofilms, addressing oral infections and promoting enhanced oral wound healing. This review aims to providing a comprehensive overview of the available evidence pertaining to the potential efficacy of topical oxygen and lactoferrin-releasing biomaterials, exemplified by the blue®m formula, as novel oral care interventions within the scope of contemporary implantology, oral surgery and periodontology.

The potential benefits and mechanisms of protein nutritional intervention on bone health improvement

Osteoporosis commonly occurs in the older people and severe patients, with the main reason of the imbalance of bone metabolism (the rate of bone resorption exceeding the rate of bone formation), resulting in a decrease in bone mineral density and destruction of bone microstructure and further leading to the increased risk of fragility fracture. Recent studies indicate that protein nutritional support is beneficial for attenuating osteoporosis and improving bone health. This review summarized the classical mechanisms of protein intervention for alleviating osteoporosis on both suppressing bone resorption and regulating bone formation related pathways (promoting osteoblasts generation and proliferation, enhancing calcium absorption, and increasing collagen and mineral deposition), as well as the potential novel mechanisms via activating autophagy of osteoblasts, altering bone related miRNA profiles, regulating muscle-bone axis, and modulating gut microbiota abundance. Protein nutritional intervention is expected to provide novel approaches for the prevention and adjuvant therapy of osteoporosis.

Effect of the phosphorylation structure in casein phosphopeptides on the proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of osteoblasts and its mechanism

Our previous studies have shown that highly phosphorylated casein phosphopeptides (residues 1-25) P5 could efficiently bind calcium and promote intestinal calcium absorption, and enhanced bone development in rats. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the phosphorylation structure in P5 on the proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1) and its mechanism. P5 was obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and non-phosphorylated peptide P5-0 was obtained by chemical synthesis. Compared with the control group, the proliferation rate of MC3T3-E1 cells treated by P5 was 1.10 times that of P5-0 at 200 μg mL-1. P5 caused the cell cycle retention of MC3T3-E1 cells in the G2/M phase, while P5-0 had no significant difference in the G2/M phase. MC3T3-E1 cells incubated with P5 showed stronger alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity than with P5-0, suggesting a tendency to promote cellular differentiation. Compared to the P5-0 treatment group, the P5 treatment group at concentrations of 10 μg mL-1 showed significant differences in the mineralization rates (p < 0.05). P5 significantly upregulated the expressions of Runx2, ALP, ColIα1, and OCN compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, in silico molecular docking showed that the binding force of the P5-EGFR complex was stronger than that of the P5-0-EGFR complex, which was significantly related to the phosphorylation structure in P5 and might be an important reason for osteoblast proliferation. In conclusion, the phosphorylation structure and amino acid composition in P5 stimulated the osteogenic activity of MC3T3-E1 cells, and could be expected to be a functional food for the prevention of osteoporosis.

The role of lactoferrin in bone remodeling: evaluation of its potential in targeted delivery and treatment of metabolic bone diseases and orthopedic conditions

Lactoferrin (Lf) is a multifunctional protein that is synthesized endogenously and has various biological roles including immunological regulation, antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer properties. Recently, research has uncovered Lf's critical functions in bone remodeling, where it regulates the function of osteoblasts, chondrocytes, osteoclasts, and mesenchymal stem cells. The signaling pathways involved in Lf's signaling in osteoblasts include (low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein - 1 (LRP-1), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), and insulin-like growth factor - 1 (IGF-1), which activate downstream pathways such as ERK, PI3K/Akt, and NF-κB. These pathways collectively stimulate osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization while inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and activity. Additionally, Lf's inhibitory effect on nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) suppresses the formation and activity of osteoclasts directly. Lf also promotes chondroprogenitor proliferation and differentiation to chondrocytes by activating the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt)signaling pathways while inhibiting the expression of matrix-degrading enzymes through the suppression of the NF-κB pathway. Lf's ability to stimulate osteoblast and chondrocyte activity and inhibit osteoclast function accelerates fracture repair, as demonstrated by its effectiveness in animal models of critical-sized long bone defects. Moreover, studies have indicated that Lf can rescue dysregulated bone remodeling in osteoporotic conditions by stimulating bone formation and suppressing bone resorption. These beneficial effects of Lf on bone health have led to its exploration in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. However, due to the large size of Lf, small bioactive peptides are preferred for pharmaceutical applications. These peptides have been shown to promote bone fracture repair and reverse osteoporosis in animal studies, indicating their potential as therapeutic agents for bone-related diseases. Nonetheless, the active concentration of Lf in serum may not be sufficient at the site requiring bone regeneration, necessitating the development of various delivery strategies to enhance Lf's bioavailability and target its active concentration to the site requiring bone regeneration. This review provides a critical discussion of the issues mentioned above, providing insight into the roles of Lf in bone remodeling and the potential use of Lf as a therapeutic target for bone disorders.

Bioactive milk peptides: an updated comprehensive overview and database

Partial digestion of milk proteins leads to the formation of numerous bioactive peptides. Previously, our research team thoroughly examined the decades of existing literature on milk bioactive peptides across species to construct the milk bioactive peptide database (MBPDB). Herein, we provide a comprehensive update to the data within the MBPDB and a review of the current state of research for each functional category from in vitro to animal and clinical studies, including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-IV inhibitory, opioid, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, calcium absorption and bone health and anticancer activity. This information will help drive future research on the bioactivities of milk peptides.

Improving Effects of Laccase-Mediated Pectin–Ferulic Acid Conjugate and Transglutaminase on Active Peptide Production in Bovine Lactoferrin Digests

Bovine lactoferrin (bLf) is a multifunctional glycoprotein and a good candidate for producing diverse bioactive peptides, which are easily lost during over-digestion. Accordingly, the effects of laccase-mediated pectin–ferulic acid conjugate (PF) and transglutaminase (TG) on improving the production of bLf active peptides by in vitro gastrointestinal digestion were investigated. Using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy (UPLC-MS-MS), the digests of bLf alone, PF-encapsulated bLf complex (LfPF), and TG-treated LfPF complex (LfPFTG) produced by conditioned in vitro gastric digestion (2000 U/mL pepsin, pH 3.0, 37 °C, 2 h) were identified with seven groups of active peptide-related fragments, including three common peptides (VFEAGRDPYKLRPVAAE, FENLPEKADRDQYEL, and VLRPTEGYL) and four differential peptides (GILRPYLSWTE, ARSVDGKEDLIWKL, YLGSRYLT, and FKSETKNLL). The gastric digest of LfPF contained more diverse and abundant detectable peptides of longer lengths than those of bLf and LfPFTG. After further in vitro intestinal digestion, two active peptide-related fragments (FEAGRDPYK and FENLPEKADRDQYE) remained in the final digest of LfPFTG; one (EAGRDPYKLRPVA) remained in that of bLf alone, but none remained in that of LfPF. Conclusively, PF encapsulation enhanced the production of bLf active peptide fragments under the in vitro gastric digestion applied. TG treatment facilitated active peptide FENLPEKADRDQYE being kept in the final gastrointestinal digest.

Lactoferrin: A glycoprotein that plays an active role in human health

Lactoferrin (Lf), existing widely in human and mammalian milk, is a multifunctional glycoprotein with many functions, such as immune regulation, anti-inflammation, antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant. These extensive functions largely attribute to its ability to chelate iron and interfere with the cellular receptors of pathogenic microorganisms and their hosts. Moreover, it is non-toxic and has good compatibility with other supplements. Thus, Lf has been widely used in food nutrition, drug carriers, biotechnology, and feed development. Although Lf has been continuously explored and studied, a more comprehensive and systematic compendium is still required. This review presents the recent advances in the structure and physicochemical properties of Lf as well as clinical studies on human diseases, with the aim of providing a reference for further research of Lf and the development of its related functional products.

A synthetic peptide from Sipunculus nudus promotes bone formation via Estrogen/MAPK signal pathway based on network pharmacology

The tripeptide Leu-Pro-Lys (LPK), derived from the Sipunculus nudus protein, was synthesized and studied to investigate its potential protective effect on bone formation. The effect and mechanism of LPK were analyzed through network pharmacology, bioinformatics, and experimental pharmacology. The study found that LPK at concentrations of 25 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL significantly increased ALP activity and mineralization in C3H10 cells. LPK also increased the expression of COL1A1 and promoted bone formation in zebrafish larvae. Network pharmacology predicted 148 interaction targets between LPK and bone development, and analysis of the protein-protein interaction network identified 13 hub genes, including ESR1, MAPK8, and EGFR, involved in bone development. Through KEGG enrichment pathways analysis, it was determined that LPK promotes bone development by regulating endocrine resistance, the relaxin signaling pathway, and the estrogen signaling pathway. Molecular docking results showed direct interactions between LPK and ESR1, MAPK8, and MAPK14. Additional verification experiments using western blot assay revealed that LPK significantly upregulated the expression of genes related to bone formation, including COL1A1, OPG, RUNX2, ESR1, phosphorylated MAPK14, and phosphorylated MAPK8 in C3H10 cells. These results suggest that LPK promotes bone formation by activating the estrogen/MAPK signaling pathway.

Human Recombinant Lactoferrin Promotes Differentiation and Calcification on MC3T3-E1 Cells

Lactoferrin (LF), known to be present in mammalian milk, has been reported to promote the proliferation of osteoblasts and suppress bone resorption by affecting osteoclasts. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of human sources LF on osteoblast differentiation have not yet been elucidated, and almost studies have used LF from bovine sources. The presented study aimed to characterize the molecular mechanisms of bovine lactoferrin (IF-I) and human recombinant lactoferrin (LF-II) on MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblast cells. MC3T3-E1 cells were treated with LF, ascorbic acid, and β-glycerophosphate (β-GP). Cell proliferation was analyzed using the MTT assay. Alkaline phosphatase activation and osteopontin expression levels were evaluated via cell staining and immunocytochemistry. The differentiation markers were examined using quantitative real-time PCR. The cell viability assay showed the treatment of 100 μg/mL LF significantly increased; however, it was suppressed by the simultaneous treatment of ascorbic acid and β-GP. Alizarin red staining showed that the 100 μg/mL treatment of LF enhanced calcification. Quantitative real-time PCR showed a significant increase in osterix expression. The results suggest that treatment with both LFs enhanced MC3T3-E1 cell differentiation and promoted calcification. The mechanisms of calcification suggest that LFs are affected by an increase in osterix and osteocalcin mRNA levels.

Novel Soy Peptide CBP: Stimulation of Osteoblast Differentiation via TβRI-p38-MAPK-Depending RUNX2 Activation

DEDEQIPSHPPR, the calcium-binding peptide (CBP) identified in soy yogurt, was proven to be a potential cofactor in osteoporosis prevention in our previous study, but the mechanism was unknown. In this study, the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OCN), the regulation of RUNX2, and the expression of TβRI were investigated to elucidate the underlying mechanism. The results show that CBP upregulated ALP activity and OCN concentration and increased the expression of RUNX2 and the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway. Similarly, the expression of osteogenesis-related genes in osteoblasts also increased upon CBP treatment. Moreover, the CBP-induced enhancement of ALP activity and phosphorylation levels in the p38 pathway was inhibited by treatment with a p38 inhibitor (SB203538) and TβRI inhibitor (SB431542), respectively, suggesting that p38 and TβRI were involved in the osteogenic action. Based on the signaling pathways, the intracellular calcium concentration was significantly elevated by CBP, which was correlated with the increased behavioral functions and the relative fluorescence intensity of the bone mass. These findings suggest that CBP stimulates osteoblast differentiation and bone mineralization through the activation of RUNX2 via mechanisms related to the TβRI-p38-MAPK signaling pathways, further highlighting CBP’s important potential for treating osteoporosis.

The Lactoferrin Phenomenon-A Miracle Molecule

Numerous harmful factors that affect the human body from birth to old age cause many disturbances, e.g., in the structure of the genome, inducing cell apoptosis and their degeneration, which leads to the development of many diseases, including cancer. Among the factors leading to pathological processes, microbes, viruses, gene dysregulation and immune system disorders have been described. The function of a protective agent may be played by lactoferrin as a “miracle molecule”, an endogenous protein with a number of favorable antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, immunostimulatory and binding DNA properties. The purpose of this article is to present the broad spectrum of properties and the role that lactoferrin plays in protecting human cells at all stages of life.

Characterization of Chelation and Absorption of Calcium by a Mytilus edulis Derived Osteogenic Peptide

In a previous study, the peptide LGKDQVRT, which was identified by enzymatic hydrolysis, released during the proteolysis of Mytilus edulis, had potential osteogenic activity. In this study, the octapeptide LGKDQVRT was able to spontaneously bind calcium in a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio, and the calcium-binding site likely involves calcium and amino acid VAL6 in the LGKDQVRT peptide to form a metal-donor to metal acceptor complex. The peptide LGKDQVRT has the activity of promoting the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. The results of this study suggest that hydrolyzed peptides from Mytilus edulis protein can be used as a dietary supplement to improve calcium absorption and prevent osteoporosis.

Evaluation of the anti-osteoporotic effect of a low-phenylalanine whey protein hydrolysate in an ovariectomized mice model

A phenylalanine (Phe)-restricted diet is indispensable to control the blood Phe for individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU), who are also confronted with progressive bone impairment. Thus, the development of a low-Phe protein substitute that could positively regulate bone metabolism is desired for their bone health. Our previous study reported the preparation of a low-Phe containing whey hydrolysate (LPH) from a selected whey protein hydrolysate (TAH). However, the effect of LPH on the bone status is unknown. In this study, we used an ovariectomized (OVX) mice model to evaluate the anti-osteoporotic potential of oral administration of whey protein concentrate (WPC, protein control), TAH, and LPH on bone physiology and bone metabolism. The results showed that after 12 weeks of treatment, the decreased bone mineral density, the deteriorated trabecular microarchitecture, and the reduced ultimate load due to ovariectomy were significantly attenuated by two whey protein hydrolysates (TAH and LPH); meanwhile, the body weight, uterine weight, bone composition, and the femoral elastic load of OVX mice had not been significantly affected by whey samples. In addition, LPH and TAH dual-regulated bone remodeling in OVX mice through triggering osteogenesis (promoted the expression of runt-related protein 2 (Runx2) and osteoformation markers) and inhibiting osteoresorption as well as inflammation. The modulated mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling and the inhibited nuclear factor κB signaling by LPH and TAH might relate to the dual-regulatory activities on bone. Overall, in the OVX mice model, LPH exerted higher osteoprotective potential than TAH of the same dose by activating the bone formation markers and inhibiting the inflammatory status. The current study demonstrated for the first time the potential use of a low-Phe whey hydrolysate, a protein substitute for PKU individuals, in the prevention of osteoporosis.

Lactoferrin: A Nutraceutical with Activity against Colorectal Cancer

Homeostasis in the human body results from the tight regulation of several events, since too little inflammation disrupts the process of tissue repair and remodeling, whereas too much exerts a collateral effect by causing tissue damage with life-threatening consequences. In some clinical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), inflammation functions as a double-edged sword by either enabling or inhibiting cancer development and progression. Generally, cancer develops through evasion mechanisms that regulate cell growth, causing a high rate of uncontrolled proliferation, and mechanisms for evading cell death, such as apoptosis. Moreover, chronic inflammation is a factor that contributes to colorectal cancer (CRC), as observed in individuals with IBD; all these conditions favor an increased rate of angiogenesis and eventual metastasis. Lactoferrin (Lf) is a mammalian iron-binding multifunctional glycoprotein regarded as a natural compound that up- and downregulates both humoral and cellular components of immunity involved in regulating the inflammatory response and maintaining gut homeostasis. Human and bovine Lf share high sequence homology and have very similar antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities. Bovine Lf from milk is considered a safe molecule and is commercially available in large quantities. This review mainly focuses on the regulatory effects of orally administered bovine Lf on the inflammatory response associated with CRC; this approach indicates that CRC is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers and affects the intestinal tract with high clinical and epidemiologic relevance. Thus, this review may provide foundations for the potential use of bovine Lf alone or as a natural adjunct agent to increase the effectiveness and reduce the side effects of anticancer chemotherapy.

Purification and Characterization of a Novel Calcium-Binding Heptapeptide from the Hydrolysate of Tilapia Bone with Its Osteogenic Activity

In this study, a calcium-binding peptide was obtained by hydrolyzing tilapia bone and its osteogenic activity was evaluated. Animal protease was selected from nine enzymes, and its hydrolysate was purified through preparative and semi-preparative reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The purified peptide was identified as DGPSGPK (656.32 Da) and its calcium-binding capacity reached 111.98 µg/mg. The peptide calcium chelate (DGPSGPK-Ca) was obtained, and its structure was characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mass spectrometry (MS). The results of XRD and SEM showed that DGPSGPK-Ca was formed as a new compound. The carboxyl and amino groups of Lys and Asp residues may be the chelating sites of DGPSGPK according to the FTIR and MS results. The molecular simulation showed the carbonyl groups of Asp, Pro, Ser, and Lys residues involved in the binding of calcium. The interaction of DGPSGPK and different integrins was evaluated by molecular docking simulation, and the main forces involved were electrostatic interaction forces, hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Furthermore, DGPSGPK could inhibit the differentiation of osteoclast and promote the proliferation, differentiation and mineralization of osteoblasts.

Quantitative N-glycoproteome analysis of bovine milk and yogurt

Post-translational modification structure of food's proteins might be changed during processing, thereby affecting the nutritional characteristics of the food product. In this study, differences in protein N-glycosylation patterns between milk and yogurt were quantitatively compared based on glycopeptide enrichment, liquid chromatography separation, and tandem mass spectrometry analysis. A total of 181 N-glycosites were identified, among which 142 were quantified in milk and yogurt. Significant alterations in the abundance of 13 of these N-glycosites were evident after the fermentation of milk into yogurt. Overall, the N-glycosylation status of the majority of milk proteins remained relatively unchanged in yogurt, suggesting that their conformations, activities, and functions were maintained despite the fermentation process. Among the main milk proteins, N²⁴¹ of cathepsin D and N³⁵⁸ of lactoperoxidase were markedly reduced after undergoing lactic acid fermentation to produce yogurt. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of current and previously reported N-glycoproteomic data revealed heterogeneity in the N-glycosylation of milk proteins. To sum up, a quantitative comparison of the N-glycoproteomes of milk and yogurt was presented here for the first time, providing evidence that the fermentation process of yogurt could cause changes in the N-glycosylation of certain milk proteins.

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181 N-glycosites from 118 N-glycoproteins were identified in milk and yogurt.

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13 N-glycosites changed significantly after fermentation of milk into yogurt.

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N²⁴¹ of cathepsin D and N³⁵⁸ of lactoperoxidase was markedly reduced in yogurt.

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Heterogeneity of N-glycosylation of milk protein has been documented.

Lactoferrin promotes the autophagy activity during osteoblast formation via BCL2-Beclin1 signaling

BACKGROUND

Lactoferrin, as the main component of milk, can maintain osteoblast formation, which is conducive to the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Lactoferrin also serves as an autophagy regulator, especially in osteoblasts. This study aimed to explore the significance of autophagy in osteoblast formation regulated by lactoferrin and the internal mechanism.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study, we firstly explored the roles of lactoferrin in the autophagy activity of primary osteoblasts (LC3 transformation rate, autophagosome formation). Subsequently, we further investigated the effects of lactoferrin on the BCL2 expression and BCL2-Beclin1 complex. Ultimately, the significance of BCL2 overexpression and Beclin1 silencing on lactoferrin-regulated osteoblast autophagy and osteogenic parameters (ALP activity and mRNA expression of PCNA, Col1, BGLAP and OPN) was observed by gene processing, respectively. Our results showed that lactoferrin enhanced the autophagy activity of osteoblasts. Importantly, lactoferrin inhibited BCL2 expression and the co-immunoprecipitation of BCL2 and Beclin1 in osteoblasts. Moreover, lactoferrin-promoted autophagy and osteogenic parameters was reversed by BCL2 overexpression or Beclin1 silencing in osteoblasts.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, lactoferrin can inhibit BCL2 expression in osteoblasts, further enhancing Beclin1-dependent autophagy activation.

Lactoferrin and Its Detection Methods: A Review

Lactoferrin (LF) is one of the major functional proteins in maintaining human health due to its antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory activities. Abnormal levels of LF in the human body are related to some serious diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, Alzheimer’s disease and dry eye disease. Recent studies indicate that LF can be used as a biomarker for diagnosis of these diseases. Many methods have been developed to detect the level of LF. In this review, the biofunctions of LF and its potential to work as a biomarker are introduced. In addition, the current methods of detecting lactoferrin have been presented and discussed. We hope that this review will inspire efforts in the development of new sensing systems for LF detection.

Lactoferrin as a regenerative agent: The old-new panacea?

Lactoferrin (Lf) possesses various biological properties and therapeutic potentials being a perspective anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, antitumor, and immunomodulatory agent. A significant body of literature has also demonstrated that Lf modulates regenerative processes in different anatomical structures, such as bone, cartilage, skin, mucosa, cornea, tendon, vasculature, and adipose tissue. Hence, this review collected and analyzed the data on the regenerative effects of Lf, as well as paid specific attention to their molecular basis. Furthermore, tissue and condition-specific activities of different Lf types as well as problems of their delivery to the targeted organs were discussed. The authors strongly hope that this review will stimulate researchers to focus on the highlighted topics thus accelerating the progress of Lf's wider clinical application.

Osteogenic effects of the peptide fraction derived from pepsin-hydrolyzed bovine lactoferrin

Osteoporosis is a common disease that frequently occurs in the older population, particularly in postmenopausal women. It severely compromises the health of the older population, and the drugs commonly used to treat osteoporosis have a variety of adverse effects. Lactoferrin (LF) is a protein present in milk that has recently been found to exhibit osteogenic activity. Lactoferrin is nontoxic and harmless, suggesting that it may have excellent biocompatibility and tolerability after human consumption. Oral consumption of LF in an ovariectomized rat model has been found to ameliorate osteoporosis. However, the mechanism underlying this effect remains to be clarified. In this study, bovine LF (bLF) was first hydrolyzed by pepsin for 1 h, and the hydrolyzed mixture was freeze-dried and collected. The hydrolyzed mixture was then separated into 5 components (E1-E5), of which E3 had the greatest effect in promoting proliferation of osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1). Component E3 was further isolated into 21 components with preparative reversed phase HPLC, and the E3-15 component had maximal bioactivity. With HPLC-mass spectrometry and peptide sequencing, E3-15 was identified to contain amino acids 97 to 208 from the bLF N terminus. Then, E3-15 was divided into 6 different peptide segments (P1-P6), and the corresponding segments were generated by solid-phase synthesis. Only the P1 peptide (amino acids 97-122 from the N terminus of bLF) significantly promoted osteoblast proliferation. The bioactivity of P1 toward osteoblast cells and alkaline phosphatase activity were tested as a function of P1 concentration, and a nonlinear effect was observed.

Milk proteins and their derived peptides on bone health: Biological functions, mechanisms, and prospects

Bone is a dynamic organ under constant metabolism (or remodeling), where a delicate balance between bone resorption and bone formation is maintained. Disruption of this coordinated bone remodeling results in bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, the most common bone disorder characterized by decreased bone mineral density and microarchitectural deterioration. Epidemiological and clinical evidence support that consumption of dairy products is beneficial for bone health; this benefit is often attributed to the presence of calcium, the physiological contributions of milk proteins on bone metabolism, however, are underestimated. Emerging evidence highlighted that not only milk proteins (including individual milk proteins) but also their derived peptides positively regulate bone remodeling and attenuate bone loss, via the regulation of cellular markers and signaling of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. This article aims to review current knowledge about the roles of milk proteins, with an emphasis on individual milk proteins, bioactive peptides derived from milk proteins, and effect of milk processing in particular fermentation, on bone metabolism, to highlight the potential uses of milk proteins in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, and, to discuss the knowledge gap and to recommend future research directions.