New Hormone Offers Hope for Stronger Bones & Osteoporosis Prevention

How do women maintain strong bones during breastfeeding—a time when their bodies prioritize calcium for milk production? Researchers at UC San Francisco (UCSF) and UC Davis may have found the answer with the discovery of a new hormone. 

This new hormone, known as Maternal Brain Hormone (MBH), not only protects bones during breastfeeding but also offers hope for new treatments for osteoporosis, a debilitating condition affecting millions worldwide.¹

This research will change how we approach bone health and osteoporosis prevention.

Hormone’s Potential Beyond Breastfeeding

In their research, Holly Ingraham, PhD, senior author and a professor of cellular molecular pharmacology at UCSF and her team made a surprising discovery: CCN3, a molecule not typically associated with hormonal activity, was identified as the key bone-building hormone in female mice. 

This unexpected finding challenged conventional wisdom, as CCN3 did not fit the usual profile of a hormone secreted by neurons.

Further investigation revealed that CCN3 was indeed present in the brains of lactating female mice. The absence of CCN3 in these mice led to rapid bone loss and even negatively impacted the weight of their offspring.

Their findings prompted the researchers to rename CCN3 as Maternal Brain Hormone (MBH). 

MBH Supercharges Bone Growth & Strength

When researchers increased MBH levels in both young and old mice, they observed a boost in bone mass and strength within a matter of weeks. In female mice lacking estrogen, a condition that typically leads to bone loss, and in very old mice, MBH more than doubled bone mass.

Dr. Thomas Ambrosi at UC Davis put these strengthened bones to the test, and the results were impressive. He found that the bones were not only denser but also remarkably strong. 

Promoting Bone Healing

The regenerative potential of MBH extended beyond strengthening existing bones. Dr. Ambrosi’s research revealed that stem cells within bones exposed to MBH were more inclined to differentiate into new bone cells, a crucial step in bone repair and regeneration.

To further explore MBH’s ability to accelerate bone healing, the research team devised a novel hydrogel patch designed to release MBH at the site of a bone fracture over a two-week period. This approach proved remarkably successful in elderly mice, whose fractures typically heal slowly and incompletely.

The MBH-infused patch stimulated the formation of new bone tissue, effectively rejuvenating the healing process and restoring bone integrity.

Future Directions

Scientists are already planning future studies into the molecular workings of this hormone to investigate its presence and activity in breastfeeding women. They are particularly excited about the potential of MBH to treat a range of bone conditions, including osteoporosis and fractures.

Dr. Muriel Babey, a physician-scientist at UCSF and a co-author of the study, is eager to explore how MBH could treat bone diseases in real-world clinical settings. 

In collaboration with the UCSF Catalyst program, Dr. William Krause, a senior scientist and co-lead on the project, is focused on translating these laboratory findings into practical therapies that could benefit millions of people suffering from bone-related ailments.

Source:

1. Nature