2'-Fucosyllactose attenuates estrogen-deficiency-associated bone loss and intestinal dysfunction in ovariectomized...

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Microbiology
• Bone Biology

Background:

• Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) is a major health issue linked to estrogen deficiency.
• Estrogen deficiency disrupts gut microbiota, intestinal barrier function, and promotes bone loss via the OPG/RANKL axis.
• Safer nutritional strategies are needed due to pharmacotherapy concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the protective effects of 2 -fucosyllactose (2 -FL) against PMO.
• To compare the efficacy of 2 -FL with chondroitin sulfate (CS).

Main Methods:

• Assessment of OPG/RANKL axis balance.
• Evaluation of intestinal integrity and inflammatory markers.
• Analysis of gut microbial composition using LDA effect size.

Main Results:

• 2 -FL restored the OPG/RANKL axis balance, improved intestinal integrity, and reduced inflammatory cytokines.
• 2 -FL modulated gut microbiota, enriching beneficial taxa like Adlercreutzia and Akkermansia, while reducing Ruminococcus and Prevotella.
• 2 -FL demonstrated comparable efficacy to CS in restoring bone homeostasis.

Conclusions:

• 2 -FL alleviates bone loss and intestinal dysfunction in estrogen-deficient conditions.
• 2 -FL enhances bone microarchitecture, modulates bone remodeling and intestinal markers, and reduces inflammation.
• 2 -FL positively alters gut microbial composition, supporting its role as a therapeutic nutritional strategy.