This protein promotes bone formation and lowers fatty tissue accumulation

Stronger bones and less fat: new metabolic protein identified

In Germany, around six million people suffer from osteoporosis. The disease, also known as "bone loss," is often accompanied by an accumulation of adipose tissue. Researchers have now identified a protein that promotes bone formation while decreasing fat tissue accumulation.

One of the most common diseases worldwide

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), osteoporosis is among the ten most common diseases worldwide. In Germany alone, around six million people suffer from it. The disease mainly affects the elderly, especially women. Men are relatively less affected by bone loss. Often, osteoporosis is accompanied by accumulation of adipose tissue. German researchers have now identified a protein that promotes bone formation while decreasing fat tissue accumulation.

Osteoporosis can easily lead to bone fracture even without an accident. In addition, the disease is often accompanied by an accumulation of fatty tissue. Now, a protein has been identified that promotes bone formation while decreasing fat tissue accumulation. (Image: Andrey Popov / fotolia.com)

Increased bone loss and reduced bone build-up

When bones break under normal stress or minor injuries, it is called osteoporosis or "bone loss".

In this disease, there is an increased bone loss and at the same time reduced bone build-up. As a result, the bones are increasingly rotten and can therefore break more easily.

The formation of bone and fat is very dependent on each other. Both tissues are formed by common progenitor cells, the so-called mesenchymal stem cells. These can develop into either bone-building cells or fat cells.

Factors that support adipose tissue formation inhibit bone buildup and thereby reduce bone quality. The identification of such factors is important to develop new methods for the treatment of osteoporosis or obesity.

Improvement of bone quality

According to a statement, scientists from the Leipzig University Medical Center and the Dresden University Hospital have now identified a new protein that controls precisely this interplay.

As the research results published in the journal "Science Translational Medicine" show, the protein (CD90 / Thy-1) supports bone formation and at the same time inhibits adipose tissue formation.

It has been reported that mice lacking this protein actually have a significantly poorer bone quality and become thicker.

The researchers were also able to show that patients with reduced bone quality, but also overweight patients have a significantly lower serum level of this CD90 / Thy-1 protein than healthy people.

Further investigations should now show whether this factor can be used as a new target structure for improving bone quality in overweight or as a marker for the early diagnosis of bone loss.

Prevent osteoporosis

According to health experts, osteoporosis prevention is generally recommended before the bones disappear. The best protection against the disease is still a healthy lifestyle that avoids at least the modifiable risk factors.

Above all, three measures can help prevent or at least delay bone resorption: a calcium-rich diet, regular exercise and enough vitamin D.

In order to strengthen the bones, it is especially important to consume enough calcium - even at a young age. This mineral is found in many foods.

Often, dairy products are highlighted as good calcium suppliers. However, the "Osteoporosis self-help groups umbrella association e.V." (OSD) on its website points out that a "high protein content in the diet leads to calcium losses".

And: "The frequent consumption of animal protein by dairy products, eggs and meat leads to a chronic hyperacidity of the organism," the experts say.

Therefore, it is questionable whether dairy products are really beneficial to health and optimal calcium suppliers.

According to other experts, the important mineral should be better absorbed by vegetables such as broccoli, fennel or kale, nuts, soy products or calcium-containing mineral waters.

Beware of phosphate in front of the calcium thief. This is found especially in sausages, in cola drinks or in preservatives of ready meals.

Supply of vitamin D and regular exercise

Of prime importance for osteoporosis prevention is also vitamin D..

The so-called sun vitamin is indeed formed by the human body in sufficient sunlight, but in low sunlight exposure, it may be necessary to supply vitamin D artificially.

In addition, the sporting activity must not be missing. Because sufficient exercise enables the bones to optimally store calcium.

However, according to health experts, care should be taken to choose sports that put pressure on the bones.

Suitable are, among other things, light gymnastics, Nordic walking, hiking, cross-country skiing or cycling.

According to the OSD, swimming is good for endurance and the heart and circulatory system, protects ligaments and joints, but does not stress the bones. As a prophylaxis and to support the osteoporosis therapy, it is therefore less suitable. (Ad)