Ovotransferrin, an iron-binding glycoprotein, accounting for ~12% of egg white protein, is a member of transferrin family. As a component of innate immunity, ovotransferrin was reported to have antimicrobial, anti-viral, anti-oxidant, and immunomodulatory activities. Using mouse preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells, our previously study showed that ovotransferrin significantly stimulated osteoblast differentiation and osteoprotegerin (OPG), while inhibited the level of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANKL), indicating its potential role on regulating osteoclast. Furthermore, ovotransferrin significantly inhibited osteoclastogenesis. The <i>in vivo</i> effects of egg white ovotransferrin on preventing menopausal-induced osteoporosis were investigated using ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The objectives of this work were 1) to evaluate the effects of ovotransferrin treatment on osteoporosis prevention by measuring bone mineral density and micro-architecture; 2) to investigate the regulatory role of ovotransferrin on bone metabolism by measuring the expression of bone formation/resorption biomarkers (representing the bone remodeling process), and the production of osteoclastogenesis associated cytokines. Oral administration of ovotransferrin did not affect body weight, food intake and organ weight. After 12-week treatment, rats supplemented with 1% w/w and 0.2% w/w of ovotransferrin significantly preserved OVX-induced loss of bone mineral density and deterioration of trabecular micro-architecture. Additionally, ovotransferrin administration suppressed the overactive bone remodeling by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and osteoclastic bone resorption, while exerting considerable positive influence in bone formation. Ovotransferrin also inhibited marrow adipogenesis, modulated immune function (both systemic and local), and enhanced the formation of short-chain fatty acids in the gut. This study demonstrated the potential of ovotransferrin as a function food ingredient for bone health.

Egg white protein ovotransferrin prevents bone loss in ovariectomized rats

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.