Abstract
Osteoporosis is a major skeletal disease associated with estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women. Kefir-fermented peptides (KPs) are bioactive peptides with health-promoting benefits that are produced from the degradation of dairy milk proteins by the probiotic microflora in kefir grains. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of KPs on osteoporosis prevention and the modulation of the composition of the gut microbiota in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. OVX mice receiving an 8-week oral gavage of 100 mg of KPs and 100 mg of KPs + 10 mg Ca exhibited lower trabecular separation (Tb. Sp), and higher bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular number (Tb. N) and bone volume (BV/TV), than OVX groups receiving Ca alone and untreated mice, and these effects were also reflected in bones with better mechanical properties of strength and fracture toughness. The gut microbiota of the cecal contents was examined by 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing. α-Diversity analysis indicated that the gut microbiota of OVX mice was enriched more than that of sham mice, but the diversity was not changed significantly. Treatment with KPs caused increased microbiota richness and diversity in OVX mice compared with those in sham mice. The microbiota composition changed markedly in OVX mice compared with that in sham mice. Following the oral administration of KPs for 8 weeks, the abundances of Alloprevotella, Anaerostipes, Parasutterella, Romboutsia, Ruminococcus_1 and Streptococcus genera were restored to levels close to those in the sham group. However, the correlation of these bacterial populations with bone metabolism needs further investigation. Taken together, KPs prevent menopausal osteoporosis and mildly modulate the structure of the gut microbiota in OVX mice.
Highlights
Osteoporosis, which is characterized by low bone mass and the disruption of bone structure, is a major public health concern in postmenopausal women [1]
Effects of kefir on bone mineral density and peptides bone metabolism in a clinical trial of osteoporotic patients we further demonstrated the function of kefir (KPs) on osteoporosis prophylaxis, and provided
We further demonstrated the function of kefir peptides (KPs) on osteoporosis more evidence to gain insight into the association of KPs with the structural change of the gut microbiota in OVX mice
Summary
Osteoporosis, which is characterized by low bone mass and the disruption of bone structure, is a major public health concern in postmenopausal women [1]. According to statistical data from the International Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporotic fractures occur in one in three women worldwide older than 50 years during their lifetime. These fractures are usually accompanied by pain, disability and an increased mortality rate. In addition to the impact on health, osteoporosis causes a huge economic burden. The prevention of osteoporosis becomes a critical issue in order to decrease the economic burden of managing osteoporosis and improving the life quality of patients
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
