Inaugural editorial for integrative food, nutrition and metabolism

Abstract

Osteoporosis with its accompanying decrease in bone mass is widely recognized as a major public heath problem. Food and nutritional factors may play a role in the prevention of bone loss with aging. This, however, is poorly understood. Among marine algae of Undaria pinnatifida, Sargassum horneri, Eisenia bicyclis, Cryptonemia scmitziana, Gelidium amansii, and Ulva pertusa Kjellman that were gathered seasonally, Sargassum horneri (S. horneri) was found to reveal a unique anabolic effect on bone. S. horneri active component revealed a stimulatory effect on osteoblastic bone formation and a suppressive effect on osteoclastic bone resorption in vitro, thereby increasing bone mass. Moreover, S. horneri active component suppressed adipogenesis in bone marrow cells in vitro. Intake of S. horneri active component revealed a preventive effect on bone loss in animal models for type 1 diabetes. Moreover, intake of S. horneri active component was demonstrated to reveal anabolic effects on bone metabolism in healthy human. S. horneri active component, a new osteogenic factor, may be a useful in the improvement of obese diabetic osteoporosis. Bone homeostasis and osteoporosisBone metabolism plays a physiological role to maintain skeletal structure and to regulate mineral homeostasis. Bone remodeling and modeling underpin development and maintenance of the skeletal system [19]. Bone modeling is responsible for growth and mechanically induced adaptation of bone, and it requires that the processes of bone formation and bone removal (resorption). Process of bone remodeling that makes bone unique among organs and tissues, and add so many levels of complexity with respect to interactions along remodeling sequence by systemic influences (hormones), stress action (physical activity/weight bearing), and growth factors and cytokines produced from the bone cells or factors that come from nearby cells in the