New antibody discovery can reverse bone loss in menopausal mice

A new antibody discovery can reverse bone loss in menopausal mice, researchers claim.

The antibody works by blocking the breakdown of the bone as well as stimulating bone formation, according to an experimental study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Previous results showed that follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) can directly stimulate bone loss by osteoclasts which bypasses the estrogen pathway. Now, Ling-Ling Zhu, from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, and colleagues have advanced on these preliminary results, testing the ability of a peptide sequence within the receptor-binding domain of the FSH β-subunit to block osteoclast formation in ovariectomized mice, a model of menopause.

Through the study, the researchers found that the SH antibody bound FSH specifically, and, as a consequence, prevented its action on osteoclast formation. When injected into mice, they discovered that the FSH antibody reduced bone loss by inhibiting bone resorption. Surprisingly, they also found that the antibody stimulated bone formation, making for a 'double-whammy' success.

The mesenchymal cells from the treated mice had increased osteoblast precursor colony counts. Later experiments revealed that mesenchymal cells contained receptors for FSH.

"Overall, the data prompt the future development of an FSH-blocking agent as a means of uncoupling bone formation and bone resorption to a therapeutic advantage in humans," Ms Zhu and colleagues conclude.

In other antibody news, a 'super antibody' against flu has been identified by researches which may lead to a universal jab that could wipe out the infection. The new development marks a promising step towards a long-term 'cure', rather than the annual winter vaccination that is required at the moment.

Structural biologist Professor Ian Wilson, of the Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, said: "To develop a truly universal flu vaccine or therapy, one needs to be able to provide protection against influenza A and influenza B viruses, and with this report we now have broadly neutralizing antibodies against both."

Posted by Ben Evans