Natural citrus derived xanthophyll protects bone loss associated with the space microgravity.

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26506004
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: 宇宙生命学
• Research Institution: Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
• Principal Investigator: HIRATA MICHIKO 東京農工大学, 工学(系)研究科(研究院), 講師 (40544060)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 生物・生体工学 / 宇宙空間 / 骨粗鬆症 / 機能性食品

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we evaluated the effects of xanthophyll on bone formation and bone resorption, in mouse models for OVX and tail suspension. The most of the functional compound was lutein, a member of the xanthophyll family of carotenoids, suppressed IL-1-induced osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. The survival of mature osteoclasts was also suppressed by the treatment of lutein in cultures. When lutein was added to the cultures of osteoblasts, lutein enhanced the formation of mineralized bone nodules by elevating BMP2 expression. When OVX or tail suspension mice were orally administered lutein for 4 weeks, the femoral bone mass was enhanced in cancellous bone, as measured by bone mineral density in dual X-ray absorptiometry and micro-CT analyses. Lutein could be a natural compound that promotes bone formation that prevents bone loss associated with the space microgravity.

Free Research Field

生化学