A recent breakthrough discovery in mice may hold the key to understanding how adult bones maintain strength during breastfeeding. Researchers have found a hormone, CCN3, that is produced during lactation and prevents bone loss, potentially offering new treatment options for osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by weak and brittle bones, often associated with aging. During breastfeeding, the body extracts calcium from the bones to produce milk, which can weaken the skeletal structure. Additionally, the decrease in estrogen levels during lactation further complicates the issue as estrogen is crucial for bone health.
The study conducted by Holly Ingraham and her team at the University of California, San Francisco, initially aimed to explore the effects of inhibiting estrogen production in mice. Surprisingly, they found that female mice lacking estrogen receptors had significantly stronger bones. By connecting the circulatory systems of mice with and without these receptors, they identified CCN3 as the hormone responsible for bone strength.
Further experiments demonstrated that CCN3 is only produced during lactation, indicating its role in preventing bone loss during this period. The researchers also tested the potential of CCN3 in treating bone fractures in male mice and observed a significant increase in bone volume with the application of CCN3 patches.
While the results are promising, more research is needed to determine if CCN3 can be effectively used to treat osteoporosis in humans. Ingraham and her team are working on developing a blood test for CCN3 to monitor its levels in breastfeeding individuals and potentially explore its therapeutic applications.
This groundbreaking discovery sheds light on the complex mechanisms involved in bone health during lactation and opens up new possibilities for addressing osteoporosis. By understanding how CCN3 functions to prevent bone loss, researchers may develop innovative treatments to improve bone density and strength in individuals at risk of osteoporosis. The potential use of CCN3 in repairing bone fractures further highlights the significance of this hormone in maintaining skeletal health.
