Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 06, 2025 4 hours, 40 minutes ago
Medical News: A Natural Approach to Strengthening Bones
Researchers from several leading institutions in South Korea have uncovered a promising new way to combat osteoporosis using sericin, a protein derived from silkworms. The study, conducted by scientists from Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Kyungpook National University, Gangneung-Wonju National University, the National Institute of Agricultural Science, and the Institution of Hydrogen Magnetic Reaction Gene Regulation, explores how sericin may help in managing bone loss and promoting bone health.
Silkworm Protein Sericin Offers New Hope in Osteoporosis Treatment
Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. Most current treatments focus on slowing bone loss rather than actively rebuilding bone, and many come with unwanted side effects. This
Medical News report highlights how sericin might provide a safer and more effective solution by enhancing bone formation and reducing bone breakdown simultaneously.
How Sericin Works to Strengthen Bones
The study revealed that sericin contains two key components, L-serine and D-serine, which play distinct but complementary roles in bone health. L-serine was found to promote the formation of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for building new bone tissue. At the same time, D-serine, which is derived from L-serine through a biological process, inhibits osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone.
Through a series of laboratory experiments, the researchers discovered that L-serine significantly increased the expression of key bone-forming proteins such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Runx2, and osterix. These proteins are crucial for the development of strong bones. On the other hand, D-serine effectively suppressed the activity of osteoclasts by reducing the production of cathepsin K, an enzyme involved in bone resorption.
Evidence From Animal Studies
To test sericin’s potential as an osteoporosis treatment, researchers conducted animal studies using a rat model of osteoporosis. Female rats underwent an ovariectomy, a procedure that mimics postmenopausal bone loss in humans. The rats were then divided into groups, with some receiving sericin in their diet and others acting as controls.
After eight weeks of treatment, the results showed significant improvements in the bone health of the sericin-fed rats. Micro-computed tomography (µ-CT) scans revealed that these rats had a higher volume of trabecular bone, which is the spongy inner part of bones that is most affected by osteoporosis. Additionally, the spacing between trabeculae, the tiny bone structures that provide support, was reduced, indicating stronger, denser bones.
Importantly, blood tests showed that the rats given sericin had higher levels of D-serine, confirming that the protein was being effectively processed in the body to support bone health. The expression of bone-related proteins, including BMP-2, osterix, and Runx2, was also increased, further supporting the idea that ser
icin actively promotes bone growth.
Could Sericin Become a New Osteoporosis Treatment
The findings suggest that sericin could be a groundbreaking addition to osteoporosis treatment. Unlike conventional medications that primarily focus on stopping bone loss, sericin appears to offer a dual approach - stimulating bone growth while also preventing excessive breakdown.
Another advantage of sericin is its natural origin. Current osteoporosis drugs, such as bisphosphonates and RANKL inhibitors, can have serious side effects, including the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw (a condition where the jawbone deteriorates). Sericin, being a naturally derived protein, could provide a safer alternative with fewer health risks.
Future Research and Potential Applications
Although the results are promising, further research is needed to determine how well sericin works in humans. Clinical trials will be essential to confirm its safety and effectiveness compared to existing treatments. Scientists also need to explore the best ways to deliver sericin - whether as a dietary supplement, in functional foods, or even as an injectable therapy.
Additionally, while sericin showed significant improvements in trabecular bone (the spongy bone inside larger bones), its effects on cortical bone (the dense outer layer) were less pronounced. Future studies will need to investigate whether higher doses or longer treatment durations could enhance its impact on cortical bone as well.
Conclusion
This study provides strong evidence that sericin has the potential to become a valuable tool in the fight against osteoporosis. By harnessing the power of this natural protein, researchers hope to develop new treatments that not only prevent bone loss but also actively rebuild bone, offering a brighter future for millions of people suffering from osteoporosis.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Nutrients.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/3/574
For the latest on osteoporosis, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/herbal-insights-for-fighting-postmenopausal-osteoporosis
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/new-study-shows-that-triclosan--also-causes-osteoporosis-besides-the-many-other-health-dangers-it-is-associated-with
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