Professor University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Abstract: Osteoporosis is one of the most serious bone disorders, defined as a decreased bone mass and structural deterioration, and is responsible for ~20% of men and ~30% of women osteoporotic fracture after 50 years old. With the rapid increase of aging population, osteoporosis is becoming a serious health concern. Pharmacological therapies are available for osteoporosis treatment, such as the anti-resorption agents (e.g. bisphosphonates and estrogen) and anabolic agents (e.g. teriparatide), but are associated with side effects.
Bioactive proteins/peptides constitute an important category of functional foods and/or nutraceuticals that convey physiological benefits, such as promoting bone health. Milk basic proteins, including lactoferrin, are marketed in Japan for the prevention of osteoporosis. Ovotransferrin, a member of transferrin family, is a major egg white protein accounting for ~12% of egg white protein. Ootransferrin stimulated osteogenesis, where inhibited osteoclastogenesis. The potential role of ovotransferrin against osteoporosis was studied using ovariectomized (OVX) Sprague-Dawley rats. Oral administration of ovotransferrin for 12 weeks at 1% (w/w) in the diet prevented OVX-induced bone loss and maintained relatively high bone mineral density and integrated bone microarchitecture. IRW (Ile-Arg-Trp), a tripeptide derived from egg white ovotransferrin, previously shown to exert various biological activates in cells and in animals, showed comparable activity on bone cells and osteoporosis. These research progress support the potential of ovotransferrin and its derived bioactive peptides as functional food ingredients for improving bone health or preventing osteoporosis.
