Casein-derived antioxidative peptide prevents oxidative stress-induced dysfunction in osteoblast cells

Oxidative stress has been linked to osteoblast cells dysfunction and plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The present study was designed to investigate the effects casein-derived antioxidative peptide VLPVPQK (PEP) against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced dysfunction and oxidative damage in osteoblast cells. The present data demonstrated that treatment of osteoblast cells with PEP increases cell viability, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. PEP also reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, cell death and capsase-3/9 activities. Moreover, PEP prevent oxidative stress-induced down regulation of osteogenic genes (ALP, OCN, COL-I) expression and matrix mineralization. In addition, PEP decreases the expression of bone resorbing and inflammatory cytokines. Thus, our data demonstrated that PEP increases osteoblast cells differentiation through augmentation of osteogenic genes expression and antioxidant enzymes activities. Altogether, PEP exhibits bone health-promoting effect and could be beneficial agent for the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis.