Potential Osteogenic Activity of Canola Protein Hydrolysates in Osteoblast Cell MC3T3-E1

Osteoporosis is a serious worldwide health concern characterized by low bone mass, deterioration of bone tissue, and disruption of bone microarchitecture. This severe bond disorder leads to a higher risk of fracture and mainly targets the population of postmenopausal women and older adults. Previous studies indicated the potential of food components as functional foods or nutraceuticals against osteoporosis, including bioactive peptides found in milk and egg. Canola meal, as a by-product of canola oil extraction, is a highly rich material with a high protein content of up to 50% on a dry basis. Bioactive peptides derived from canola protein showed angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity, antioxidant activity and hypocholesterolemic activity. Current study aims to explore the presence of novel bioactive peptides from canola proteins towards bone health. Twenty-two canola protein hydrolysates were prepared using individual food-graded enzymes or their combinations under optimal conditions. Pre-osteoblast cell line MC3T3-E1 were treated with each canola protein hydrolysate, and osteoblastic differentiation was tested to evaluate the effects of hydrolysates on osteogenic promotion. Several canola hydrolysates showed effects on increasing the expression levels of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in MC3T3-E1 but inhibiting the secretion of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL). This study demonstrated the potential of canola protein hydrolysates on promoting bone formation and restraining bone resorption, which might develop a novel application of canola protein as a functional ingredient in bone health management.