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The goal of this project is to investigate the inhibitory effect of dietary blackcurrant on the formation of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) and aging-associated bone loss in a mouse model of aging. Evidence indicates that AOPPs play a crucial role in aging-associated bone loss and suggests that the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods may lower the risk of aging-associated osteoporosis by reducing AOPPs. Our preliminary studies with cell and animal models have shown that blackcurrant or its anthocyanin-rich extract is effective in reducing bone loss in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. However, the animal model used might not adequately mimic the conditions of aging-associated bone loss coupled with menopause that exist in middle-aged and older women. Furthermore, the mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effect of antioxidants on the formation of AOPPs in vivo still remain unknown. The main objectives of our proposed study are to determine the effects of blackcurrant in attenuating aging-associated bone loss and to define the underlying mechanisms in a mouse model of bone aging.
The goal of this project is to investigate the inhibitory effect of dietary blackcurrant on the formation of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) and aging-associated bone loss in a mouse model of aging. Evidence indicates that AOPPs play a crucial role in aging-associated bone loss and suggests that the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods may lower the risk of aging-associated osteoporosis by reducing AOPPs. Our preliminary studies with cell and animal models have shown that blackcurrant or its anthocyanin-rich extract is effective in reducing bone loss in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. However, the animal model used might not adequately mimic the conditions of aging-associated bone loss coupled with menopause that exist in middle-aged and older women. Furthermore, the mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effect of antioxidants on the formation of AOPPs in vivo still remain unknown. The main objectives of our proposed study are to determine the effects of blackcurrant in attenuating aging-associated bone loss and to define the underlying mechanisms in a mouse model of bone aging. The proposed research is designed to answer an important question of whether, and if so how, long-term berry consumption reduces aging-associated bone loss in this mouse model of aging. Thus, this proposed study is an important step toward discovering potential dietary agents that may be effective in preventing bone loss. Findings from the proposed research may serve as a basis for future clinical trials to evaluate the bone-protective effect of blackcurrant in high-risk older women. The proposed study is consistent with the USDA NIFA Program Area Priority of Function and Efficacy of Nutrients (A1341).