Effects of Colostrum Basic Protein from Colostrum Whey Protein: Increases in Osteoblast Proliferation and Bone Metabolism

Colostrum basic proteins (CBP) (MW 1~30 kDa) were isolated from bovine colostrum using a series of ultrafiltration processes and their effects on osteoblast cell proliferation and bone metabolism were investigated in cell line and animal models. Treatments with CBP (1, 10, 100 ㎍/mL) dose-dependently increased cell proliferation of osteoblastic MC3T3 cells. Alkaline phosphatase activity, a marker of osteoblastic phenotype, in the cells was also increased after treatments with CBP in a dose-dependent manner. Significant increases in bone density were observed in femur of ovariectomized rats which were fed a diet with 1% and 10% CBP, compared to rats fed a normal diet. These results suggest that CBP may increase bone mass and density and be useful for the prevention of bone-related diseases.