Isoflavones with supplemental calcium provide greater protection against the loss of bone mass and strength after ovariectomy compared to isoflavones alone

Although hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and calcium (Ca) supplementation preserve bone mass more when combined, there is a growing concern over the safety of HRT that necessitates thorough investigation of effective, alternative treatments for bone loss. While plant-derived estrogen-like compounds such as isoflavones preserve bone, it is not known whether isoflavones and Ca supplementation attenuate losses in bone mass and strength to a greater extent when combined. This study compared the effects of an isoflavone extract + high Ca to isoflavone extract or high Ca alone on preservation of bone mineral density (BMD) and biomechanical strength in ovariectomized (ovx) rats. Rats were sham-operated (n = 10) or ovx (n = 40). Shams were fed a 0.2% Ca diet. Ovx rats were randomized to a 0.2% Ca diet alone (OVX) or with isoflavone extract (IE; 1.6 g/kg diet) or to a high Ca diet (Ca; 2.5%) alone or a high Ca diet with the isoflavone extract (IE + Ca) for 8 weeks. BMD of femur and lumbar spine were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The biomechanical strength of femurs and individual vertebra was measured by three-point bending and compression testing, respectively. The average food intake was lowest (P < 0.05) among sham and IE groups and greatest (P < 0.05) among the OVX group. Final body weight was lowest (P < 0.05) among shams and highest (P < 0.05) among the OVX group while IE + Ca were lighter (P < 0.05) than all ovx groups. Femur and vertebra BMD was greater (P < 0.05) among IE + Ca and sham rats compared to IE, Ca, or OVX rats. Although there were differences in femur BMD among groups, biomechanical properties at the femur midpoint did not differ among groups, possibly due to the lack of cortical bone loss at this site. Conversely, vertebra biomechanical strength was greater (P < 0.05) among IE + Ca and Ca alone groups compared to IE alone. Uterine weight was higher (P < 0.05) among shams than OVX and IE with no difference among shams, Ca, or IE + Ca rats, suggesting that the isoflavones did not have an uterotrophic effect. In conclusion, isoflavones combined with high Ca are more protective against the loss of femur and vertebra BMD than isoflavones or high Ca diet alone.     

Modulation of soy isoflavones bioavailability and subsequent effects on bone health in ovariectomized rats: the case for equol

Introduction

Soy products are of particular interest because of their potential health benefits in a range of hormonal conditions, such as osteoporosis, due to their high content in phytoestrogens. Because equol, the main metabolite from soy isoflavones, is thought to be powerful, the present study was designated to evaluate the bone-sparing effects of equol by either providing the molecule through the diet or by eliciting its endogenous production by modulating intestinal microflora by short-chain fructooligosaccharides (sc-FOS) or live microbial (Lactobacillus casei) together with daidzein, its precursor.

Methods

A comparison with daidzein and genistein was also performed. Rats (3 months old) were ovariectomised (OVX) or sham-operated (SH). Ovariectomised rats were randomly assigned to six experimental diets for 3 months: a control diet (OVX), the control diet supplemented with either genistein (G), or daidzein (D), or equol (E) at the level of 10 μg/g body weight/d. The remaining OVX rats were given daidzein at the dose of 10 μg/g body weight/d, simultaneously with short-chain FOS (Actilight®, Beghin-Meiji) (D+FOS) or Lactobacillus casei (Actimel, Danone) (D+L). The SH rats were given the same control diet as OVX.

Results

Genistein, daidzein or equol exhibited a bone sparing effect. Indeed, total femoral bone mineral density (BMD) was significantly enhanced (compared to that of OVX rats), as was the metaphyseal compartment. Bone strength was improved by E consumption, but not by genistein or daidzein given alone. As far as the FOS diet is concerned, the addition of prebiotics significantly raised efficiency of the daidzein protective effect on both femoral BMD and mechanical properties. The effects of lactobacillus were similar, except that the increase in metaphyseal-BMD was not significant.

Conclusion

In conclusion, long-term equol consumption, like genistein and daidzein, in the ovariectomized rat, provides bone sparing effects. Adding indigestible sugars, such as FOS or live microbial as L. casei, in the diet significantly improves daidzein protective effects on the skeleton.     

联合补充大豆异黄酮和钙预防去势大鼠骨质疏松的实验研究

目的 研究联合补充大豆异黄酮和钙对去卵巢大鼠骨质疏松的预防作用。方法 将50只3月龄SD雌性大鼠摘除卵巢后按体重随机分成5组：假手术对照组、手术对照组、大豆异黄酮组（40mg／kgBW）、钙组（100mg／kgBW）、钙＋大豆异黄酮组（Ca100mg／kgBW＋SI40mg／kgBW）。连续灌胃饲养3个月后测定大鼠血清骨钙素，左侧股骨测定骨密度和骨钙含量、右侧股骨进行骨组织形态学计量分析。结果 Ca＋SI组血清BGP水平和股骨骨密度均高于其他去卵巢各组（P〈0．05），但低于Sham组（P〈0．05）；Ca＋SI组大鼠股骨的骨钙含量与Ca组、Sham组差异均无统计学意义；在去卵巢各组大鼠中手术对照组、大豆异黄酮组和钙组大鼠的骨小梁数目和骨小梁厚度显著减少，骨小梁间距明显增宽，与钙＋大豆异黄酮组相比有显著差异（P〈0．05）。结论 与单独补充大豆异黄酮或钙相比，大豆异黄酮与钙的联合应用能够更有效地预防去卵巢大鼠骨质疏松的发生。     

依普拉芬对去卵巢大鼠骨质疏松骨保护效果及NO调控机制研究

目的 研究人工合成的植物雌激素-依普拉芬对去卵巢大鼠骨密度及生物力学的影响;同时与雌激素对照,探讨其骨保护效果及NO调控作用机制.方法 60只6月龄SD雌性大鼠,随机分成6组:假手术组和手术切除大鼠双侧卵巢组,后者分为阴性对照组、依普拉芬低、中、高剂量组和雌激素对照组, 分别给予基础饲料和不同剂量受试物,12周后进行骨密度、血清NO及NOS浓度测定;免疫组化方法检测股骨NOS表达.结果 与假手术组相比,去卵巢大鼠阴性对照组股骨密度、生物力学指标和血清NO、eNOS浓度以及股骨eNOS表达明显降低,血清iNOS浓度以及股骨iNOS表达增加,依普拉芬组骨密度、生物力学指标血清NO、eNOS浓度以及股骨eNOS表达均高于阴性对照组,与假手术组差异无显著意义.同时低于雌激素组.血清iNOS浓度以及股骨iNOS表达均低于阴性对照组,与假手术组以及雌激素组差异无显著意义.结论 一定浓度的依普拉芬可以通过提高去卵巢大鼠eNOS的表达来提高NO的浓度,促进成骨,增加骨密度,达到防治骨质疏松症的作用.     

Du-Zhong (Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.) cortex extract prevent OVX-induced osteoporosis in rats

Du-Zhong, rich in polyphenolic compounds such as lignans, phenolic acid, and flavonoids, is a kidney-tonifying herbal medicine with a long history of safe use for treatment of bone fractures and joint diseases in China. In the present study, we examined whether Du-Zhong cortex extract (DZCE) with graded doses exerted its preventive effects on estrogen deficiency-induced osteoporosis. Eighty 3-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were used and randomly assigned into sham-operated group (Sham) and five ovariectomy (OVX) subgroups, i.e. OVX with vehicle (OVX); OVX with 17alpha-ethinylestradiol (E(2), 25 microg/kg/day); OVX with DZCE of graded doses (100, 300, or 500 mg/kg/day). Daily oral administration of DZCE or E(2) started on week 4 after OVX for 16 weeks. Treatment with DZCE at higher doses (300 or 500 mg/kg/day) was found to be able to significantly prevent OVX-induced decrease in biomechanical quality of femur such as maximum stress and Young's modulus. The mechanical changes were associated with the prevention of a further bone mineral density (BMD) decrease or even with some improvements in microarchitecture. DZCE dose-dependently inhibited total BMD decrease in the femur caused by OVX, which was accompanied by a significant decrease in skeletal remodeling, as was evidenced by the decreased levels of the bone turnover markers osteocalcin (OC), alkaline phosphatese (ALP), deoxypyridinoline (DPD), and urinary Ca and P excretions. muCT analysis of the femoral metaphysis showed that DZCE at the highest doses (500 mg/kg/day) significantly prevents decrease in bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV), connect density (Conn.D), trabecula number (Tb.N) and trabecula thickness (Tb.Th), and increase in trabecula separation (Tb.Sp) and structure model index (SMI) in OVX rats. We conclude that 16 weeks of DZCE treatment improves bone biomechanical quality through modifications of BMD, and trabecular microarchitecture without hyperplastic effect on uterus, and it might be a potential alternative medicine for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.     

Hydrolyzed collagen improves bone status and prevents bone loss in ovariectomized C3H/HeN mice

Summary

This study evaluates the effect of hydrolyzed collagen (HC) on bone health of ovariectomized mice (OVX) at different ages. Twenty-six weeks after the OVX procedure, HC ingestion was still able to improve significantly bone mineral density (BMD) and some femur biomechanical parameters. Moreover, HC ingestion for 1?month before surgery prevented BMD decrease.

Introduction

HC can play an important role in preserving BMD before osteoporosis appears. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of HC on bone health of ovariectomized mice at different ages.

Methods

Female C3H mice were either OVX at 3 or 6?months and fed for 6?months (first experiment) or 3?months (second experiment) with diet including 0, 10, or 25?g/kg of HC. In the second experiment, one group received HC 1?month before surgery, and two groups received the supplementation immediately after surgery, one fed ad libitum and the other by gavage. Mice treated with raloxifene were used as a positive control. BMD, femur intrinsic and extrinsic biomechanical properties, and type I collagen C-terminal telopeptide were measured after 12 and 26?weeks. Food intake and spontaneous physical activity were also recorded.

Results

The OVX procedure increased body weight, while food intake decreased, thus suggesting that resting metabolism was decreased. Ingestion of 25?g/kg of HC for 3 or 6?months reduced bone loss significantly in, respectively, 3- and 6-month-old OVX mice. The lowest HC concentration was less efficient. HC ingestion for 3?months is as efficient as raloxifene to protect 3-month-old OVX mice from bone loss. Our results also demonstrated that HC ingestion before surgery prevented the BMD decreases.

Conclusion

This study confirms that dietary collagen reduces bone loss in OVX mice by increasing the diameter of the cortical areas of femurs and can have a preventive effect.     

钙及高压氧对卵巢切除大鼠骨丟失影响的实验研究

目的：评价纳米碳酸钙及高压氧对雌激素缺乏引起的骨丢失的预防作用。方法：采用3月龄Wistar雌性大鼠切除双侧卵巢并用低钙饲料喂养作动物模型,术后分别给予钙剂及高压氧,连续14周。结果：与假手术组（Sham）相比去势组（OVX）骨密度、股骨生物力学性质、生化、骨形态计量指标均有显差异;钙剂组（OVX Ca)及高压氧组（OVX HBO）与OVX组比较,股骨干及股骨近段骨密度、股骨最大载荷、弹性桡度、最大应力、弱性模量显升高,血清TRAP、ALP显下降,高压氧组股骨弹性载荷、弹性应力、弹性应变的升高及血清TRAP、ALP的下降均较钙剂组明显。结论：纳米碳酸钙及高压氧能在一定程度上抑制去势低钙饲料喂养的Wistar大鼠骨密度及骨生物力学性能下降。     

Puerariae radix prevents bone loss in ovariectomized mice

Puerariae radix (PR), the root of Pueraria labata (Willd.) Ohwi, a wild creeper leguminous plant, is one of the earliest and most important crude herbs used in Chinese medicine for various medicinal purposes. PR contains a high amount of isoflavonoids such as daidzein and genistein, which are known to prevent bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency. We have demonstrated that soybean isoflavones prevent bone loss in an osteoporotic animal model. To examine the possible role of PR in bone metabolism, female mice were ovariectomized (OVX), and some OVX mice were fed a diet containing low, middle, and high doses (5%, 10%, and 20% of diet, respectively) of PR for 4 weeks. In OVX mice, the uterine weight declined, and intake of PR at any dose did not affect uterine weight. The total femoral bone mineral density (BMD) was significantly reduced by OVX, and the decrease in BMD caused by OVX was significantly inhibited by intake of the diet with the low dose of PR and completely prevented by the middle dose of PR. Histological analysis of the femoral metaphysis showed that intake of the diet with the middle dose of PR completely prevented decrease in trabecular bone volume (BV/TV) and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) and restored the increase in trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) in OVX mice. In contrast, intake of the diet with the high dose of PR further increased BV/TV and Tb.Th and decreased Tb.Sp in OVX mice compared with that in the sham-operated mice. These results suggest that PR may represent a potential alternative medicine for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.     

Skeletal effects of bazedoxifene paired with conjugated estrogens in ovariectomized rats

A novel approach to menopausal therapy is the tissue selective estrogen complex (TSEC) that partners bazedoxifene (BZA) with conjugated estrogens (CE). We examined the effects of daily treatment with BZA 0.3mg/kg, CE 2.5mg/kg, or combined BZA/CE (BZA 0.1, 0.3, or 1.0mg/kg with CE 2.5mg/kg) over 12months on bone mass, bone architecture and strength, and biochemical markers of bone turnover in ovariectomized (OVX) female Sprague-Dawley rats vs OVX control rats. Total cholesterol and uterine weights were also evaluated. All BZA/CE dose combinations prevented ovariectomy-induced increases in bone turnover and significantly increased bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine, proximal femur, and tibia compared with OVX controls. All BZA/CE doses evaluated also prevented many of the ovariectomy-induced changes of the static and dynamic parameters of the cortical compartment of the tibia and the cancellous compartment of the L1 and L2 vertebrae. All BZA/CE doses increased biomechanical strength at the lumbar spine (L4) compared with OVX animals. The co-administration of BZA 0.3 and 1.0mg/kg/day with CE 2.5mg/kg/day showed a dose-dependent reduction in uterine wet weight compared with administration of CE alone. All BZA/CE doses significantly lowered total cholesterol levels compared with OVX controls. In conclusion, 12months of treatment with BZA/CE in OVX rats effectively maintained BMD, bone microstructure, and bone quality; and the pairing of BZA with CE prevented CE-induced uterine stimulation.     

Comparable Effects of Alendronate and Strontium Ranelate on Femur in Ovariectomized Rats

This study compared the effects of alendronate (ALN) and strontium ranelate (SR) on bone mineral density (BMD), bone histomorphometry, and biomechanics in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. We randomly assigned 48 3-month-old female Sprague–Dawley rats to four groups: sham, OVX, ALN, and SR. Rats in the OVX, ALN, and SR groups received bilateral OVX. Rats in the ALN and SR groups were orally administrated ALN (7 mg/kg/week) and SR (500 mg/kg/day). Rats in the sham and OVX groups were treated with saline. All treatments continued for 12 weeks. Femoral BMD examination, distal femoral bone histomorphometry analysis, and biomechanical tests at the femoral diaphysis and metaphysis were performed to evaluate the effects of treatments in OVX rats. Results showed that both ALN and SR significantly increased femoral BMD (total femur, diaphyseal BMD, and distal metaphyseal BMD), distal femoral bone histomorphometric parameters (BV/TV, Tb.N, and Tb.Th), and femoral biomechanical parameters (maximum load, failure load, stiffness) compared with the OVX group (P < 0.05). No differences were found between ALN and SR in increasing femoral BMD, distal femoral bone histomorphometric parameters (BV/TV, Tb.N, and Tb.Th), and femoral diaphysis biomechanical parameters (maximum load, failure load, stiffness) (P > 0.05). The SR group was inferior to the ALN group in femoral metaphysis biomechanical parameters (P < 0.05). In conclusion, ALN (7 mg/kg/week) and SR (500 mg/kg/day) have similar effects by increasing BMD, distal femoral bone histomorphometric parameters, and femoral metaphysis biomechanical properties. Although ALN has greater effects than SR on distal femoral metaphysis biomechanical properties, in general, ALN and SR have comparable effects on the femur in OVX rats.     

鹿瓜多肽注射液对去势大鼠骨密度和骨力学性能的影响

目的研究鹿瓜多肽注射液对去卵巢大鼠骨骼生物力学性能的影响。方法 3个月龄清洁级雌性Wistar大鼠27只,随机分为假手术（sham group,SHAM）组、去势（ovariectomized,OVX）组、去势＋鹿瓜多肽（cervus and cu-cumis polypeptide,CCP）组,每组9只。OVX＋CCP组大鼠于术后第1天开始按0.6 mL/（kg.d）肌注鹿瓜多肽注射液,术后12周处死所有大鼠,取出股骨及腰椎标本,双能X线吸收仪测量各组大鼠股骨近端、股骨干及全腰椎的骨密度。应用INSTRON 3367电子拉伸试验机检测股骨近端、股骨干和L5的生物力学性能。结果 a）OVX组与SHAM组相比较,大鼠股骨和腰椎最大载荷无明显下降（P〉0.05）,但极限强度明显下降（P〈0.01）;与OVX组相比,OVX＋CCP组的最大载荷无明显增加（P〉0.05）,但极限强度显著高于去势组（P〈0.01）;OVX＋CCP组与SHAM组比,上述检测指标间无统计学差异（P〉0.05）;b）与SHAM组相比,OVX组股骨近端、股骨干及全腰椎的骨密度明显降低（P〈0.01）;与OVX组相比,OVX＋CCP组各部位骨密度明显高于OVX组（P〈0.01）;OVX＋CCP组与SHAM组比,两者各部位骨密度无明显差异（P〉0.05）。结论鹿瓜多肽注射液能保护去势大鼠骨密度和骨骼内在生物力学性能。     

Long-term minodronic acid (ONO-5920/YM529) treatment suppresses increased bone turnover, plus prevents reduction in bone mass and bone strength in ovariectomized rats with established osteopenia

The present study examined the effect of the highly potent nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, minodronic acid (ONO-5920/YM529), on bone mineral density (BMD), bone turnover, bone histomorphometry and bone strength in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Female F344/DuCrj rats, aged 14 weeks, were OVX or sham operated. After 3 months, the OVX rats showed an increase in bone turnover, and a decrease in bone mass and bone strength. Minodronic acid was administered orally once a day for 12 months at doses of 0, 0.006, 0.03 and 0.15 mg/kg from 3 months after OVX. Minodronic acid dose-dependently inhibited the decrease in BMD of lumbar vertebrae and femur. In the femur, treatment with 0.15 mg/kg minodronic acid increased the BMD of distal and mid sites to sham levels. Minodronic acid dose-dependently suppressed OVX-induced increase in urinary deoxypyridinoline, a bone resorption marker, after a month of treatment and these effects were maintained for 12 months of treatment. Minodronic acid also decreased serum osteocalcin, a bone formation marker. In bone histomorphometric analysis after 12 months of treatment, OVX rats showed an increase in bone resorption (Oc.S/BS and N.Oc/BS) and bone formation (MS/BS and BFR/BV) at lumbar vertebral bodies. Minodronic acid suppressed the OVX-induced increase in bone turnover at tissue level. Trabecular bone volume, trabecular thickness and trabecular number of lumbar vertebral bodies were decreased after OVX. Minodronic acid increased these structural indices, indicating that it prevented the deterioration in trabecular architecture. In a mechanical test at 12 months of treatment, ultimate load of lumbar vertebral bodies and mid femur in the OVX-control group was decreased compared to the sham group. Minodronic acid prevented the reduction in bone strength at both sites. In particular, in the mid femur, treatment with 0.03 and 0.15 mg/kg minodronic acid increased bone strength to sham levels or greater. In conclusion, minodronic acid suppressed increased bone turnover, plus prevented the decrease in BMD, deterioration of bone microarchitecture and reduction in bone strength in OVX rats with established osteopenia. These results suggest that minodronic acid may be clinically useful for treatment of osteoporosis.     

Soy moderately improves microstructural properties without affecting bone mass in an ovariectomized rat model of osteoporosis

Soy protein is reported to prevent bone loss in both women and rat models of osteoporosis. However, the role of soy isoflavones on the trabecular microarchitectural properties needs to be explored. In the present study, we examined whether soy protein with graded doses of isoflavones reverses loss of bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), and trabecular microstructure in an ovariectomized (Ovx) osteopenic rat model. Seventy-eight 9-m old female Sprague-Dawley rats were either sham-operated (Sham; 1 group) or Ovx (5 groups) and fed a semi-purified casein-based diet. After 90 days, the occurrence of bone loss was confirmed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Thereafter, rats were assigned to the following treatments: Sham, Ovx (control), Ovx + 17beta-estradiol (E(2); 10 microg/kg body wt. twice per week), Ovx + soy protein depleted of isoflavones (Soy-; 0.06 mg isoflavones/g protein), Ovx + soy protein with normal isoflavone content (Soy; 3.55 mg isoflavones/g protein), and Ovx + isoflavone-enriched soy protein (Soy+; 7.10 mg isoflavones/g protein). After 125 days of treatment, rats were euthanized, and tibia and lumbar bones were collected for the assessment of BMD, BMC, and trabecular microarchitectural properties using X-ray microcomputed tomography. None of the treatments had an effect on BMD or microarchitectural properties of the lumbar vertebra. However, Soy treatment significantly increased tibial BMC and BMD by 10% and 4.5% compared with Ovx control, but the increase in BMD was not enough to reach the BMD levels of the Sham control group. The Soy+ diet positively affected the tibial architectural properties including trabecular thickness, separation, and number. In summary, our findings suggest that soy protein does not restore bone loss in osteopenic rats; however, higher doses of isoflavones may be required to reverse the loss of tibial microstructural properties.     

新型骨质疏松大鼠骨生物力学测试方法:股骨干骺端弯曲试验

 目的 建立一种新的骨生物力学测试方法用以评价去卵巢骨质疏松大鼠股骨干骺端生物力学的变化。方法 20只 5月龄雌性 SD大鼠随机分为去卵巢组和假手术组。术后 12周, 对全部大 鼠进行股骨骨密度和股骨远端骨组织计量学测定。所有大鼠取一侧股骨行中段三点弯曲试验, 另一侧 股骨行干骺端弯曲试验, 测定生物力学指标(最大载荷、屈服载荷、刚度)。对各生物力学指标和骨密度 及骨组织计量学指标行 Pearson相关分析。结果 去卵巢组股骨骨密度、骨组织计量学指标(骨小梁面 积百分比、骨小梁数量、骨小梁厚度)和生物力学参数(最大载荷、屈服载荷、刚度)较假手术组均明显降 低。在股骨干骺端弯曲试验中, 两组最大载荷和屈服载荷的差值明显大于三点弯曲试验所得的相应差值。 Pearson相关分析显示骨生物力学各参数与骨密度、骨组织计量学指标均呈正相关, 且股骨干骺端 弯曲试验的生物力学参数与骨密度、骨组织计量学指标的相关性明显强于股骨干三点弯曲试验。结论 建立了新型骨质疏松大鼠骨生物力学测试方法, 即股骨干骺端弯曲试验, 可用来评估去卵巢骨质疏松 大鼠股骨干骺端生物力学性能, 与股骨干三点弯曲试验相比, 其敏感度更高, 与骨密度和骨组织计量学 参数的相关性更强。     

Effect of Intermittent and Daily Regimens of Minodronic Acid on Bone Metabolism in an Ovariectomized Rat Model of Osteoporosis

The goal of the study was to compare the effects of minodronic acid on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover in a rat ovariectomized (OVX) osteoporosis model, using two intermittent treatment regimens (weekly and 4 continuous days every 4 weeks) and a daily regimen. Female F344 rats (age 14 weeks) underwent ovariectomy or a sham operation. Minodronic acid was orally administered at 0.042, 0.21, and 1.05 mg/kg in the intermittent regimens, and at 0.03 and 0.15 mg/kg in the daily regimen for 12 weeks from the day after surgery. Minodronic acid dose-dependently ameliorated the decreases in areal BMD of the lumbar vertebrae and femur, and volumetric BMD of total and trabecular bone in the distal femur. Minodronic acid also suppressed the increase in urinary deoxypyridinoline levels and reduced serum osteocalcin levels. In bone histomorphometry, all three minodronic acid regimens suppressed OVX-induced increases in bone turnover at the tissue level and ameliorated all structural indices, except that an effect on trabecular thickness only occurred with daily treatment. In conclusion, minodronic acid administered weekly or for 4 continuous days every 4 weeks suppressed increased bone resorption and BMD to a similar extent to that of a similar total dose given daily in a rat OVX model.     

骨疏康对卵巢切除大鼠骨质量及基因表达的影响

为进一步探讨骨疏康防治骨质疏松的作用机理。方法将２７只３月龄Ｗｉｓｔａｒ雌性大鼠随机分为三组：假手术组、卵巢切除术、骨疏康组。给药后１２周同时处死。取大鼠血、尿检测骨代谢生化指标,取得骨或腰椎测量骨密度,骨形态计量学参数、骨生物力学参数,取股骨和胫骨,测定骨粘连蛋白ｍＲＮＡ表达。     

局部注射缓释型bBMP对去势绵羊椎体骨骼影响的研究

目的探索能够在短期内有效提高骨质疏松椎体骨强度的局部治疗方法。方法采用卵巢切除法（OVX）对6只成年雌性绵羊去势，低钙饲养1年后，经双能X线吸收骨密度测量仪检测后确定建立骨质疏松模型。采用拉丁方设计方案，通过经椎弓根注射途径，分别在每只动物的L4～L6注射三种药物：实验组A注射20mgbBMP／FS，对照组B注射20mg bBMP，对照组C单纯注射FS。L3椎体设为空白对照组D。术后3个月，采用骨密度测量仪和MicroCT对绵羊腰椎骨密度及骨小梁微观结构进行分析比较。通过轴向加压实验对腰椎标本进行生物力学测定，对椎体力学性能进行评估。结果绵羊去势1年后，腰椎骨密度平均下降20．6％，动物模型成功建立。接受实验处理3个月后，实验组A骨密度（1．334g／cm^2）明显高于对照组B、C及D组骨密度（1．139g／cm^2，1．163g／cm^2和1．177g／cm^2）。MicroCT分析表明：实验组骨小梁的密度、连接率均显著高于对照组。生物力学研究表明实验组A最大压缩应力、最大压缩应变、能量吸收值及骨质弹性模量均明显高于对照组B、C及D组。结论bBMP复合纤维蛋白胶可以促进骨小梁的改建，改善骨小梁的三维结构，增加椎体的骨密度及骨强量，可以作为局部治疗脊柱骨质疏松的新型方法之一。     

Effects of Different Dosages of Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein 1–34 on the Bone Metabolism of the Ovariectomized Rat Model of Osteoporosis

Intermittent and low-dose parathyroid hormone (PTH) injection to stimulate bone formation has been used in the treatment of osteoporosis. The N-terminal fragment 1–34 of PTH is quite similar in structure and function to N-terminal PTH-related protein (PTHrP). PTH(1–34) and PTHrP also share a coreceptor, the PTH/PTHrP receptor. Therefore, some studies have suggested that PTHrP could effectively stimulate bone formation, similar to PTH. We used an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model of osteoporosis to study the effects of PTHrP(1–34) on bone metabolism by measuring bone mineral density (BMD), bone histomorphometrics, and biomechanical parameters. We found that subcutaneous injection of PTHrP(1–34) (40 or 80 μg/kg body weight every day) in OVX rats increased lumbar and femoral BMD, improved bone biomechanical properties, enhanced bone strength, and promoted bone formation. We selected 40 μg/kg as the preferred therapeutic dose of PTHrP(1–34) and investigated the effects of frequency of treatment (per 1, 2, 3, or 7 days) on bone metabolism in OVX rats. We found that injection of PTHrP(1–34) once per day or every other day significantly improved the BMD and strength of OVX rats. Serum calcium and phosphate levels in all treated rats did not vary significantly from control rats. Based on our results, intermittent low-dose PTHrP(1–34) injection promoted bone formation in OVX rats, suggesting a high potential for therapeutic use in osteoporosis patients.     

Correlation among geometric,densitometric, and mechanical properties in mandible and femur of osteoporotic rats

We have previously demonstrated bone loss of the mandible and femur in experimental osteoporotic rats and its prevention by medication, using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). In the present study, the mechanical properties of the mandible and femur and the correlation to their geometric and densitometric properties were studied in ovariectomized rats with or without etidronate treatment. Fifty-four Wistar strain SPF female rats, 26 weeks old, were randomly assigned to four groups: (1) Basal group (12 rats, 1.0% Ca diet); (2) Sham group (Sham-operated, 12 rats, 0.1% Ca diet); (3) OVX group (ovariectomized, 15 rats, 0.1% Ca diet); (4) Treated group (OVX + etidronate, 15 rats, 0.1% Ca diet). Total bone mineral density (BMD), cortical BMD, cross-sectional cortical bone area, cross-sectional cortical bone thickness, crosssectional moment of inertia (CSMI), and polar strength index (SSI) of the mandible and femur were measured by pQCT. The failure load of mandible and femur was evaluated by three-point bending. The failure load of both bones was significantly lower in the Sham group compared with the Basal group. The OVX group further had a 8% and 7% decrease in the failure load for mandible and femur, respectively, compared to the Sham group. Treatment with etidronate led to an increase in the failure load compared with the OVX group. The failure load was related to the pQCT-assessed variables, especially with cortical bone area and total BMD. Moreover, the geometric and densitometric properties and failure load in the mandible showed a correlation to those in the femur.     

辛伐他汀延缓生酮饮食导致的骨量丢失的实验观察

目的分析辛伐他汀(ST)治疗后小鼠股骨骨微结构、力学性能及骨形态的改变,评价ST对缓解生酮饮食引起的骨量丢失的治疗作用。方法 40只C57小鼠随机分为假手术组、卵巢切除组(OVX)、卵巢切除加辛伐他汀组(OVX+ST)、生酮饮食组(KD)及生酮饮食加辛伐他汀组(KD+ST),每组8只。OVX和OVX+ST组小鼠行双侧卵巢切除,予以常规标准饮食。KD及KD+ST组予以碳水化合物与脂肪比为1∶3的生酮饮食,OVX+ST及KD+ST组予以ST灌胃,剂量为20 mg/(kg·d)。12周处死取材,测量各组小鼠血酮、血糖、血钙、血磷等的水平,分别采用显微CT扫描、三点弯曲试验、有限元分析及HE染色观察股骨骨量微结构、力学性能及骨形态。结果 KD组和KD+ST组小鼠血酮含量为1. 28 mmol/L和1. 48 mmol/L,明显高于假手术组(0. 60 mmol/L)。各组间血糖、血钙或血磷的差异没有统计学意义。辛伐他汀治疗提高了KD+ST组的松质骨骨量、股骨有限元压缩刚度及三点弯曲刚度,其中KD+ST组较KD组股骨远端松质骨骨体积分数从4. 1%上升到6. 6%,有限元压缩刚度从35 N/mm提高到161 N/mm,股骨三点弯曲刚度从44 N/mm提高到60 N/mm,组织学观察也表明KD+ST组的股骨远端松质骨骨小梁较KD组明显增多。结论辛伐他汀治疗提高了KD组小鼠股骨松质骨骨体积分数、三点弯曲刚度、有限元压缩刚度和骨小梁数目,缓解了生酮饮食导致的骨量丢失。