Emerging therapies for osteoporosis: a narrative review of multifaceted interventions involving plant- and animal-derived bioactive peptides

Sun, Li1,#; Du, Rui1,2,#; Liu, Jinze1,#; He, Zhongmei1,2,*; Pei, Hongyan1,*

1College of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China

2Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center for Efficient Breeding and Product Development of Sika Deer, Changchun, Jilin Province, China

*Correspondence to: Zhongmei He, MD, heather78@jlau.edu.cn; Hongyan Pei, MD, phy19990505@163.com.

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a chronic bone disease associated with aging, characterized by decreased bone mineral density and increased fracture risk, profoundly impacting the quality of life of older individuals. Despite significant advancements in modern medicine, existing treatments for osteoporosis are often accompanied by substantial side effects that limit their long-term use. In recent years, the use of plant-derived and animal-derived bioactive peptides has emerged as a promising due to their high safety profile, low side effects, and natural health benefits. This review aims to explore the pathogenesis of osteoporosis, the extraction, isolation, and purification of plant-derived and animal-derived bioactive peptides, and their antiosteoporotic effects and mechanisms. Additionally, this review seeks to provide safer and more effective solutions for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in older individuals. The antiosteoporotic effects of plant- and animal-derived bioactive peptides are mediated through multiple mechanisms, including the promotion of osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, inhibition of osteoclast activity, modulation of calcium and phosphorus metabolism, reduction of oxidative stress, and suppression of inflammatory responses. For example, certain bioactive peptides promote bone formation by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, while others reduce bone resorption by inhibiting the RANKL/RANK/OPG axis. In addition, some bioactive peptides enhance bone health by regulating calcium absorption and exerting antioxidant functions. However, currently, there is insufficient clinical evidence for the application of plant- and animal-derived bioactive peptides, and their effects require further validation through clinical trials. Plant- and animal-derived bioactive peptides hold significant potential as an emerging antiosteoporosis strategy, particularly in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis among older individuals. With continued research into their mechanisms of action and the advancement of clinical trials, these bioactive peptides are anticipated to become important tools for improving bone health and reducing fracture risk in this population. Future studies should further explore the clinical potential of plant- and animal-derived bioactive peptides to develop safer and more effective osteoporosis prevention and treatment programs.

植物与动物源生物活性肽多机制干预骨质疏松的新兴疗法：叙述性综述

摘要：

骨质疏松是一种与衰老相关的慢性骨骼疾病，以骨密度降低和骨折风险增加为特征，严重影响老年人的生活质量。尽管现代医学在骨质疏松的治疗上取得了显著进展，但现有药物常伴有较强的副作用，难以长期使用。近年来，植物源和动物源生物活性肽因其高安全性、低副作用以及天然健康的特点，逐渐成为骨质疏松防治研究的新方向。文章旨在综述骨质疏松的发病机制，探讨植物源和动物源生物活性肽的提取、分离、纯化及其抗骨质疏松作用和机制，为老年骨质疏松的预防和治疗提供更安全、有效的解决方案。植物源和动物源生物活性肽通过多种机制发挥抗骨质疏松作用，包括促进成骨细胞增殖和分化、抑制破骨细胞活性、调节钙磷代谢、减轻氧化应激和抑制炎症反应。此外，一些生物活性肽还通过调节钙吸收和抗氧化功能改善骨健康。然而，目前的研究仍存在局限性，如植物源和动物源生物活性肽的临床应用证据有限，且其在人体中的长期效果和安全性尚需进一步验证。因而，植物源和动物源生物活性肽作为一种新兴的抗骨质疏松策略，具有显著的潜力，尤其是在老年骨质疏松的预防和治疗中。随着对其作用机制的深入研究和临床试验的推进，植物源和动物源生物活性肽有望成为一种重要的工具，改善老年人的骨健康并降低骨折风险。未来的研究需要进一步探索植物源和动物源生物活性肽的临床应用潜力，以开发出更安全、有效的骨质疏松防治方案。