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Researchers at Dalian Polytechnic University Develop New Synthetic Peptide to Improve Bone Health

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

In a significant breakthrough, researchers at Dalian Polytechnic University in China have developed a new synthetic peptide that has shown promise in improving bone health. The peptide, known as VAPEEHPV, was used to prepare a calcium complex that demonstrated stability in aqueous environments. The research, which was funded by the National Key R & D Program of China, has far-reaching implications for the treatment of bone-related disorders.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers utilized the oyster-derived synthetic peptide VAPEEHPV to prepare the VCa complex with calcium ions, which showed stability in aqueous environments.
  • Characterization techniques revealed that the VCa complex exhibited a decrease in UV absorption intensity, a decrease in beta-sheet content, an increase in particle size, and a rougher surface morphology compared to the peptide V.
  • In a calcium deficiency mouse model, a medium dose of VCa improved the structure of the small intestinal villi, increased serum calcium levels, and reduced alkaline phosphatase levels.
  • A high dose of VCa significantly increased bone calcium content and bone density in a calcium deficiency mouse model.
  • The researchers observed a marked improvement in osteoclasts deterioration and tissue inflammation induced by calcium deficiency.
  • The thickness of the bone cortex increased to 713.91 μm after treatment with VCa.

Statistics:

  • Serum calcium levels increased from 4.10 mmol/L to 4.11 mmol/L after treatment with VCa.
  • Serum phosphorus levels increased from 2.00 mmol/L to 2.01 mmol/L after treatment with VCa.
  • Alkaline phosphatase levels decreased from 50.4 King Units/100 mL to 49.4 King Units/100 mL after treatment with VCa.
  • Bone calcium content increased from 177 mg/g to 178.57 mg/g in the femur after treatment with VCa.
  • Bone calcium content increased from 177 mg/g to 178.59 mg/g in the tibia after treatment with VCa.
  • Bone density increased from 1.65 g/cm3 to 1.67 g/cm3 in the femur after treatment with VCa.
  • Bone density increased from 1.80 g/cm3 to 1.82 g/cm3 in the tibia after treatment with VCa.

Sources:

  • Molabs Research Team. Molecular Interactions and Physiological Effects of Oyster-derived Synthetic Peptide-calcium Complex: Insight In Improving the Bone Growth and Health. Food Research International, 2025; 212.
  • NewsRx. Researchers at Dalian Polytechnic University Target Synthetic Peptides (Molecular Interactions and Physiological Effects of Oyster-derived Synthetic Peptide-calcium Complex: Insight In Improving the Bone Growth and Health). Health & Medicine Week. July 11, 2025; p 674.

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