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Phytosterols Protect against Osteoporosis by Regulating Gut Microbiota
Xiangyu Xiao1,2, Jiaojiao Wang1, Yucheng Zhu1
1College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
|September 27, 2023
Summary
Phytosterols show potential in treating osteoporosis by increasing bone mass and improving gut microbiota. Low concentrations effectively combat osteoporosis, while high concentrations have no significant effect.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Bone Biology
- Microbiome Research
Background:
- Osteoporosis is a growing global health concern with limited nutritional interventions.
- Phytosterols are natural compounds with potential therapeutic benefits for bone health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antiosteoporotic effects of phytosterols in mouse models.
- To explore the underlying mechanisms, including effects on gut microbiota and bone metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Established glucocorticoid-induced and ovariectomized osteoporosis mouse models.
- Administered low (0.3 mg/mL) and high (0.5 mg/mL) concentrations of phytosterols.
- Analyzed bone mass, trabecular microstructure, serum biomarkers (CTX-1, 1,25-(OH)2D3), and gut microbial composition.
Main Results:
- Low-concentration phytosterols significantly increased bone mass and improved microstructure.
- Phytosterols reduced CTX-1 and increased 1,25-(OH)2D3 levels.
- Phytosterols modulated gut microbiota, increasing *Ruminococcus* and decreasing *Bilophila*, counteracting glucocorticoid-induced dysbiosis.
Conclusions:
- Phytosterols, particularly at low concentrations, demonstrate efficacy in ameliorating osteoporosis.
- The antiosteoporotic effects are mediated through the regulation of gut microbiota and improvement of bone metabolism.
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