Nutrients, Vol. 18, Pages 1265: Lactopontin in a Simulated Infant Formula Protein Matrix Promotes Bone Development via the Gut–Bone Axis in Growing Rats
Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu18081265
Authors:
Yipin Lyu
Jie Zhang
Chi Cheng
Xue Tang
Pantian Huang
Feitong Liu
Ruibiao Hu
Thom Huppertz
Xinyan Wang
Peng Zhou
Background: Lactopontin (L-OPN) is a pivotal bioactive protein present in breast milk that supports bone development, but its efficacy in a formula matrix is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of L-OPN-fortified formula on bone growth in a growing rat model and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Weanling rats (n = 8/group) received daily gavage for four weeks: (1) CON—deionized water; (2) PRO—750 mg/kg·BW mixed protein; or (3) L-OPN—750 mg/kg·BW of the PRO formula fortified with L-OPN. Results: The results showed that the formula fortified with L-OPN could significantly increase bone volume and trabecular bone number (p < 0.05). Furthermore, both femur length and thickness, as well as overall body length, were significantly increased (p < 0.001). In addition, the L-OPN-fortified formula specifically increased the relative abundance of Bacteroides and Parabacteroides in rat feces (p < 0.05). Metabolomic analysis revealed that L-OPN supplementation significantly altered bile acid metabolism, notably increasing serum levels of 12-ketolithocholic acid (12-KLCA), which correlated strongly with bone metrics. Conclusion: These preclinical findings provide a basis for future research in infant formula.
Background: Lactopontin (L-OPN) is a pivotal bioactive protein present in breast milk that supports bone development, but its efficacy in a formula matrix is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of L-OPN-fortified formula on bone growth in a growing rat model and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Weanling rats (n = 8/group) received daily gavage for four weeks: (1) CON—deionized water; (2) PRO—750 mg/kg·BW mixed protein; or (3) L-OPN—750 mg/kg·BW of the PRO formula fortified with L-OPN. Results: The results showed that the formula fortified with L-OPN could significantly increase bone volume and trabecular bone number (p < 0.05). Furthermore, both femur length and thickness, as well as overall body length, were significantly increased (p < 0.001). In addition, the L-OPN-fortified formula specifically increased the relative abundance of Bacteroides and Parabacteroides in rat feces (p < 0.05). Metabolomic analysis revealed that L-OPN supplementation significantly altered bile acid metabolism, notably increasing serum levels of 12-ketolithocholic acid (12-KLCA), which correlated strongly with bone metrics. Conclusion: These preclinical findings provide a basis for future research in infant formula. Read More