Maternal vitamin B₁₂ in mice positively regulates bone, but not muscle mass and strength in post-weaning and mature offspring

Abstract

Vitamin B12 deficiency has been shown to affect bone mass in rodents and negatively impact bone formation in humans. In this study using mouse models we define the effect of B12 supplementation in the wild-type mother and B12 deficiency in a mouse genetic model (Gif-/- mice) during gestation on the bone and muscle architecture, and mechanical properties in the offspring. Analysis of bones from 4 weeks-old offspring of the wild-type mother following vehicle or B12 supplementation during gestation (From embryonic day 0.5-20.5) showed an increase in bone mass caused by an isolated increase in bone formation in the B12 supplemented group compared to vehicle controls. Analysis of effect of B12 deficiency in the mother in a mouse genetic model (Gif-/- mice) on long bone architecture of the offspring showed a compromised cortical and trabecular bone mass, which was completely prevented by a single injection of B12 in the B12-deficient Gif-/- mothers.Biomechanical analysis of long bones of the offspring born from B12 supplemented wild-type mothers showed an increase in bone strength, and conversely offspring born from B12-deficient Gif-/- mothers revealed a compromised bone strength, which could be rescued by a single injection of B12 in the B12-deficient Gif-/- mother. Muscle structure and function analysis however revealed no significant effect on muscle mass, structure and grip strength of B12 deficiency or supplementation in Gif-/- mice compared to littermate controls. Together, these results demonstrate the beneficial effect of maternally-derived B12 in the regulation of bone structure and function in the offspring.

Associations of serum vitamin B12 and its biomarkers with musculoskeletal health in middle-aged and older adults

“…Singh et al. found that changes in vitamin B12 metabolism generally have little impact on muscle mass and function compared to bone ( 48 ). The relationship between vitamin B12 and sarcopenia, including muscle mass and muscle function, is not well understood.…”

“…noted that in mouse models, vitamin B12 deficiency affected parameters including thickness, number and connectivity of trabeculae, as well as cortical thickness and porosity ( 48 ). The structural deterioration of cortical and trabecular bone led to a substantial decrease in the density and content of bone minerals in the whole body, further leading to a decline in the biomechanical properties of long bone ( 48 ). A Study by Herrmann et al.…”

Analysis of impact of consumption of proton pump inhibitor on osseointegration of dental implants to the alveolar bone -a systematic critical appraisal

“…A few studies have reported that when there is a decrease in vitamin B12 in the blood, the levels of biomarkers of the formation of bone are also decreased. 36 Therefore, such a negative consequence of the intake of PPIs on vitamin B12 levels can affect the bone density around the dental implant.…”

Taurine as a biomarker for aging: A new avenue for translational research

“…for example, Garcia et al, experimented on the Gif gene for absorption, and it was taken out of mice to make a genetic model of B12 insufficiency. 5 , 6 It was found that B12 from the mother is important for growing and controlling bone mass. Administering B12-deficient offspring daily doses of Taurine stopped growth problems and osteoporosis 7 …”

“…Many processes are involved; for example, chronic inflammation, increased levels of oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunctions are very few of them. 6 Even though more studies need to be conducted, we are getting closer to understanding the role that Taurine plays and how it influences neurotransmission, growth and sex hormones, bone health, and the composition of the bacteria in the gut. However, targeting Taurine as a biomarker might be an effective therapeutic molecule since it serves multiple functions as well as a diagnostic purpose.…”