大豆异黄酮对去卵巢大鼠骨密度及骨代谢影响的实验研究

目的 探讨大豆异黄酮对去卵巢大鼠骨丢失的防治作用及其作用机理。方法 选用卵巢切除大鼠所诱发的骨质疏松模型,给与大豆异黄酮治疗。三个月后测定大鼠骨密度及骨代谢相关生化指标。结果 大豆异黄酮可提高卵巢切除大鼠的骨密度及血清雌激素水平,降低尿钙（Ca),尿磷（P）及尿羟脯氨酸（HOP）的排泄,同时降低血清总碱性磷酸酶（ALP）,骨碱性磷酸酶（BALP）,及抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶（TRACP）的活性,还可使血清骨钙素（BGP）的浓度降低,促使卵巢切除大鼠子宫的相对重量增加,其作用与剂量相关。结论 小剂量大豆异黄酮有类似雌激素样作用,可有效防治卵巢切除大鼠的骨量丢失,其作用机制可能是通过降低骨转换率实现的。     

Blueberry prevents bone loss in ovariectomized rat model of postmenopausal osteoporosis

The objective of the present study was to explore the bone protective role of blueberry in an ovariectomized rat model. Thirty 6-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were either sham-operated (Sham) or ovariectomized (Ovx) and divided into three groups: Sham, Ovx (control), Ovx+blueberry (5% blueberry w/w). After 100 days of treatment, rats were euthanized, and blood and tissues were collected. Bone mineral density (BMD) and content of whole body, right tibia, right femur and fourth lumbar vertebra were assessed via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. As expected, Ovx resulted in loss of whole-body, tibial, femoral, and 4th lumbar BMD by approximately 6%. Blueberry treatment was able to prevent the loss of whole-body BMD and had an intermediary effect on prevention of tibial and femoral BMD when compared to either Sham or Ovx controls. The bone-protective effects of blueberry may be due to suppression of Ovx-induced increase in bone turnover, as evident by lowered femoral mRNA levels of alkaline phosphatase, collagen type I and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase to the Sham levels. Similarly, serum osteocalcein levels were also lower in the blueberry group when compared to the Ovx control group, albeit not significantly. In summary, our findings indicate that blueberry can prevent bone loss as seen by the increases in BMD and favorable changes in biomarkers of bone metabolism.     

Effect of daidzein, a soy isoflavone, on bone metabolism in Cd-treated ovariectomized rats

This study compared the ability of daidzein, a soy isoflavone, with that of 17beta-estradiol to prevent bone loss in cadmium (Cd)-exposed ovariectomized (OVX) rats during growth. Four week-old female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five treatment groups of 9 rats each, either (1) sham-operated (SH); (2) OVX and placed on experimental diets (OVX); (3) OVX fed 50 ppm of CdCl2 (OVX-Cd); (4) OVX fed 50 ppm of CdCl2 and 10 microg of daidzein per kg of body mass (OVX-CD-D); or (5) OVX fed 50 ppm of CdCl2 and 10 microg of estrogen per kg of body mass (OVX-CD-E). All rats were given free access to AIN-76 modified diet and drinking water, with or without Cd, for 8 weeks. The OVX groups gained more (P < 0.05) body mass than the SH group. Femoral mass was increased by feeding daidzein and estradiol, whereas femoral length was not (P > 0.05) significantly different among groups. Femoral breaking force was not significantly different among groups, however, femoral BMD was significantly lower in OVX-Cd than in the SH and OVX groups. Morphologically proliferative cartilage and hypertrophic cells in femur showed normal distribution in OVX-Cd-D and OVX-Cd-E groups unlike those in OVX-Cd group. These findings suggest that Cd-OVX-induced osteopenia or osteoporosis probably results from an increase in bone turnover.     

<Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">l</Emphasis>-Carnitine induces recovery of liver lipid metabolism in cancer cachexia

Cancer cachexia causes metabolic alterations with a marked effect on hepatic lipid metabolism. l-Carnitine modulates lipid metabolism and its supplementation has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy in many diseases. In the present study, the effects of l-carnitine supplementation on gene expression and on liver lipid metabolism-related proteins was investigated in cachectic tumour-bearing rats. Wistar rats were assigned to receive 1 g/kg of l-carnitine or saline. After 14 days, supplemented and control animals were assigned to a control (N), control supplemented with l-carnitine (CN), tumour-bearing Walker 256 carcinosarcoma (TB) and tumour-bearing supplemented with l-carnitine (CTB) group. The mRNA expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I and II (CPT I and II), microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP), liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP), fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-alpha) and organic cation transporter 2 (OCTN2) was assessed, and the maximal activity of CPT I and II in the liver measured, along with plasma and liver triacylglycerol content. The gene expression of MTP, and CPT I catalytic activity were reduced in TB, who also showed increased liver (150%) and plasma (3.3-fold) triacylglycerol content. l-Carnitine supplementation was able to restore these parameters back to control values (p < 0.05). These data show that l-carnitine preserves hepatic lipid metabolism in tumour-bearing animals, suggesting its supplementation to be of potential interest in cachexia.     

Green tea polyphenols mitigate bone loss of female rats in a chronic inflammation-induced bone loss model

The purpose of this study was to explore the bioavailability, efficacy and molecular mechanisms of green tea polyphenols (GTP) related to preventing bone loss in rats with chronic inflammation. A 2 [placebo vs. lipopolysaccharide (LPS)]×2 (no GTP vs. 0.5% GTP in drinking water) factorial design enabled the evaluation of effects of LPS administration, GTP levels, and LPS×GTP interaction. Urinary GTP components and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels were determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography for bioavailability and molecular mechanism, respectively. Efficacy was evaluated by examining changes in femoral mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and bone turnover biomarkers [osteocalcin (OC) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)] using respective ELISA kits. The mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in spleen was determined by real-time RT-PCR. Neither LPS administration nor GTP levels affected body weight and femoral bone area throughout the study period. Only GTP supplementation resulted in increased urinary epigallocatechin and epicatechin concentrations. LPS administration led to a decrease in femur BMC and BMD, and serum OC levels, but an increase in serum TRAP, urinary 8-OHdG and spleen mRNA expression of TNF-α and COX-2 levels. GTP supplementation resulted in higher values for femur BMC, BMD and serum OC, but lower values for serum TRAP, urinary 8-OHdG and spleen mRNA expression of TNF-α and COX-2 levels. We conclude that GTP mitigates bone loss in a chronic inflammation-induced bone loss model by reducing oxidative stress-induced damage and inflammation.     

Manganese Supplementation Improves Mineral Density of the Spine and Femur and Serum Osteocalcin in Rats

The effect of manganese (Mn) supplementation on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolism parameters was determined in ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were divided into four groups (OVX, OVX+Mn, sham, sham+Mn) and fed with different intake levels of manganese (adequate 0.001% Mn, supplementation 0.01% Mn) for 12 weeks. BMD of the lumbar vertebrae, femur, and tibia were significantly lowered in ovariectomized rats compared to the sham group. In addition, BMD of the lumbar vertebrae was significantly increased by Mn supplementation in the sham groups. Serum C-telopeptide cross-links of type I collagen (CTx), bone resorption biomarker, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bone formation biomarkers were not significantly different among the four groups. However, serum osteocalcin, a more sensitive bone formation biomarker, was significantly increased by Mn supplementation. To summarize, Mn supplementation resulted in increased BMD and bone formation. Based on our findings, more research is needed to better understand the effects of manganese supplementation on bone formation and resorption.     

l-Carnitine enhances resistance to oxidative stress by reducing DNA damage in Ataxia telangiectasia cells

In this study, the modulating effect of l-carnitine on tert-butyl-hydroperoxide-induced DNA damage was compared with that of mannitol, a well known scavenger of hydroxyl radicals, both in normal and Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM)-deficient lymphoblastoid cell lines established from A. telangiectasia (A-T) patients. The alkaline version of the comet assay was employed to measure the frequency of single-strand breaks (SSBs) and alkali-labile sites induced by t-butyl-OOH immediately after treatment and at different recovery times in normal and A-T cell lines, with and without pre-treatment with l-carnitine. In addition, both the yield of induced chromosomal damage and the effect on cell proliferation were evaluated. Our results show that pre-treatment of cells with l-carnitine produced an enhancement of the rate and extent of DNA repair in A-T cell lines at early recovery time; furthermore, in samples pre-treated with l-carnitine a reduction of all types of chromosomal aberration was observed, both in A-T and in wild-type cell lines. The reducing effect of l-carnitine pre-treatment on oxidative DNA damage was more prominent than that of pre-treatment with mannitol. In conclusion, we demonstrated a protective effect of l-carnitine on oxidative stress-induced DNA damage in A-T cells, suggesting its possible role in future pharmacological applications in A-T therapy.     

Effect of chitooligosaccharides on calcium bioavailability and bone strength in ovariectomized rats

Chitosan polymer with deacetylation degree of 93% was hydrolyzed with an endo-type chitosanase (35,000 U/g protein) with substrate to enzyme ratio of 1 to 1.5 for 18 h in a batch reactor, and then the resultant hydrolysates were fractionated into four different molecular weights using an ultrafiltration (UF) membrane reactor system. An in vitro study elucidated that four kinds of chitooligosaccharides (COSs) could efficiently inhibit the formation of insoluble calcium salts in the neutral pH. In vivo effects of COSs on Ca bioavailability were further studied in the osteoporosis modeling rats induced by ovariectomy and concurrent low calcium intake. During the experimental period corresponding to the menopause with the osteoporosis disease, calcium retention was increased and bone turnover was decreased by COS IV supplementation in the ovariectomized (OVX) rats. After the low Ca diet, COS IV diet including both normal level of calcium and vitamin D significantly decreased calcium loss in feces and increased calcium retention compared to the control diet. The levels of femoral total calcium, bone mineral density (BMD), and femoral strength were also significantly increased by the COS IV diet in a similar level to those of CPP diet group. In the present study, the results proved the beneficial effects of low molecular chitooligosaccharide (COS IV) in preventing negative mineral balance.     

Prolonged increase in dietary phosphate intake alters bone mineralization in adult male rats

Excessive intake of dietary phosphate without the company of calcium causes serum parathyroid hormone (s-PTH) concentration to rise. We investigated the effect of a modest but prolonged increase in dietary intake of inorganic phosphate on the bone quantitative factors of mature male rats. Twenty Wistar rats were divided into two groups and fed a high-phosphate diet (1.2% phosphate) or a control diet (0.6% phosphate) for 8 weeks. In the beginning and at the end of the study period, femur and lumbar bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content and area were measured using DXA, s-PTH was analyzed from the blood sample, and after sacrifice, right femur was cut loose and processed into paraffin cuts. Bone diameter, inner diameter and cortical width was measured from the hematoxylin- and eosin-dyed femur cuts. Tibias were degraded and calcium and phosphate content was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer. Femoral BMD increased significantly more in the control group than in the phosphate group (P=.005). Lumbar BMD values decreased in both groups, and the fall was greater in the control group (P=.007). The phosphate group had significantly higher s-PTH values (P=.0135). Femoral histomorphometric values or tibial mineral contents did not differ between groups. In conclusion, increase in dietary phosphate intake caused s-PTH to rise and hindered mineral deposition into cortical bone, leading to lower BMD. The effect on trabecular bone was opposing as mineral loss was less in the lumbar spine of phosphate group animals. These results are in concurrence with the data stating that skeletal response to PTH is complex and site dependent.     

Serum equol, bone mineral density and biomechanical bone strength differ among four mouse strains

The extent of conversion of daidzein to its metabolite, equol, by intestinal microflora may be a critical step that determines if a diet rich in daidzein protects against the deterioration of bone after estrogen withdrawal. The objective was to determine the extent that daidzein is converted to equol. In addition, bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD) and strength of femurs and lumbar vertebrae (LV) in four mouse strains were measured. Mice were ovariectomized and fed control diet (AIN93G) with or without daidzein (200 mg daidzein/kg diet) for 3 weeks, after which serum, femurs and LV were collected. Serum daidzein and equol were elevated in all mice fed daidzein. Among mice fed daidzein, the CD-1 and Swiss–Webster (SW) mice had higher (P<.001) serum equol than C57BL/6 (C57) and C3H mice. Differences due to mouse strain were observed for all bone outcomes. C57 mice had lower femur BMC (P<.001), BMD (P<.001) and peak load at femur midpoint (P<.001) and neck (P<.001) than other mouse strains. C57 mice also had a lower femur midpoint yield load (P<.001) and resilience (P<.001) than C3H mice. C57 mice had a lower LV1–4 BMC (P<.001) and BMD (P<.001) compared with all mouse strains and peak load of LV3 was lower than CD-1 and SW mice. Differences in serum equol, BMD and bone strength properties should be considered when selecting a mouse strain for investigating whether dietary strategies that include isoflavones preserve bone tissue after ovariectomy.     

Effect of Dietary Yeast Chromium and l-Carnitine on Lipid Metabolism of Sheep

A 56-day feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of yeast chromium (Cr, 300 μg/kg diet) and/or l-carnitine (100 mg/kg diet) on lipid metabolism and their interaction in sheep. After a 14-day adaptation period, 32 3-month-old sheep were randomly divided into four groups of eight. All sheep were fed with basal diets according to the American feeding standard of the National Research Council. At the end of the experiment, yeast Cr and/or l-carnitine supplementation significantly decreased abdominal fat mass and abdominal fat percentage, suggesting an improved mutton quality. Compared with the control group, the ratio of glucose to insulin was significantly increased, due to unchanged glucose levels and reduced insulin levels in yeast Cr and/or l-carnitine supplement groups, indicating high insulin sensitivity and well-controlled serum glucose levels. In addition, yeast chromium and/or l-carnitine induced significant decreases in serum triglyceride levels and serum total cholesterol levels, while increasing serum free fatty acid levels and high-density lipoproteincholesterol levels. The findings show that adding a yeast Cr and/or l-carnitine supplement may give better control of glucose and lipid variables.     

Interaction between pivaloylcarnitine and l-carnitine transport into L6 cells overexpressing hOCTN2

Patients ingesting pivalic acid containing prodrugs develop hypocarnitinemia. Pivalic acid is cleaved from such drugs and excreted renally as pivaloylcarnitine. Plasma concentrations (reflecting the concentration in the glomerular filtrate entering the proxinmal tubule) in patients treated with cefditoren pivoxil are approximately 5 μM for pivaloylcarnitine and 10 μM for carnitine. Kinetic studies were performed using L6 cells overexpressing the human kidney carnitine transporter (hOCTN2) to assess the mechanisms leading to hypocarnitinemia in such patients. l-carnitine transport showed saturation kinetics (K_m 6.3 μM) and could be inhibited competitively by pivaloylcarnitine (K_i 70 μM). Pivaloylcarnitine was also transported by OCTN2 (K_m 212 μM) and its transport could be inhibited competitively by l-carnitine (K_i 7.8 μM). Haldane and Eadie-Hofstee plots were linear for both carnitine and pivaloylcarnitine. Our data indicate that both carnitine and pivaloylcarnitine bind to OCTN2 at a single, identical site. Considering the low plasma and tubular pivaloylcarnitine concentration, the high K_m of pivaloylcarnitine regarding OCTN2 and the inhibition of pivaloylcarnitine transport by carnitine, pivaloylcarnitine is unlikely to be reabsorbed under these conditions. On the other hand, our data indicate that the renal reabsorption of carnitine is not impaired in patients treated with pivalic acid containing prodrugs. Hypocarnitinemia in such patients therefore develops due to massive renal losses of pivaloylcarnitine and not due to inhibition of carnitine reabsorption by pivaloylcarnitine.     

Silicon Supplementation Improves the Bone Mineral Density of Calcium-Deficient Ovariectomized Rats by Reducing Bone Resorption

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of silicon (Si) supplementation on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolism parameters relative to calcium (Ca) intake levels in ovariectomized rats. A total of 72 female Wistar rats (6 weeks) were ovariectomized (OVX) and divided into six groups, and Si (500 mg of Si per kilogram of feed) was or was not administered with diets containing various levels of Ca (0.1%, 0.5%, and 1.5%) for 10 weeks. The groups were as follows: (1) Ca-deficient group (0.1% Ca), (2) Ca-deficient with Si supplementation group, (3) adequate Ca group (0.5% Ca), (4) adequate Ca with Si supplementation group, (5) high Ca group (1.5% Ca), and (6) high Ca with Si supplementation group. Si supplementation significantly increased the BMD of the femur and tibia in Ca-deficient OVX rats, while no change was observed with Si supplementation in the BMD of the spine, femur, and tibia in the adequate and high Ca groups. Serum alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin levels were not affected by Si supplementation or Ca intake levels. C-telopeptide type I collagen levels were significantly decreased as a result of Si supplementation in Ca-deficient OVX rats. In summary, Si supplementation produced positive effects on bone mineral density in Ca-deficient OVX rats by reducing bone resorption. Therefore, Si supplementation may also prove to be helpful in preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women whose calcium intake is insufficient.     

Use of biochemical markers to monitor changes in bone turnover in cynomolgus monkeys

The ovariectomized old cynomolgus monkey is a recognized model of human osteoporosis, and the same species can be used for the assessment of the efficacy and potential toxicity of agents intended to prevent or treat osteoporosis. Several assays have been developed that can measure the same biochemical markers of bone turnover as are used in human patients for the diagnosis and treatment follow-up of bone-related diseases, including osteoporosis. The aim of the present study was to describe the results obtained with these assays in normal control monkeys, their variations with age and sex, and their sensitivity in monitoring the bone turnover induced by ovariectomy in old skeletally mature cynomolgus monkeys. Seven old cynomolgus monkeys were bilaterally ovariectomized and 13 age-matched monkeys were sham-operated. Bone mineral density and biochemical markers were measured before and at regular intervals after surgery for up to 20 months. Total alkaline phosphatase (total ALP), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme (bone ALP) and osteocalcin (OC) were highly correlated to the decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) induced by ovariectomy. Deoxypyridinoline (DPD) measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay was insensitive to the bone resorption induced by ovariectomy, but cross-linked N-telopeptide (NTX-I) was higher in ovariectomized monkeys than in control monkeys. These results demonstrate that reliable biochemical parameters are available to adequately monitor and provide insight into osteoclastic bone resorption and osteoblastic bone formation, the two components of bone turnover in this animal model, and can thus be used to assess the efficacy and toxicity of potential therapeutic agents.     

Use of biochemical markers to monitor changes in bone turnover in cynomolgus monkeys.

The ovariectomized old cynomolgus monkey is a recognized model of human osteoporosis, and the same species can be used for the assessment of the efficacy and potential toxicity of agents intended to prevent or treat osteoporosis. Several assays have been developed that can measure the same biochemical markers of bone turnover as are used in human patients for the diagnosis and treatment follow-up of bone-related diseases, including osteoporosis. The aim of the present study was to describe the results obtained with these assays in normal control monkeys, their variations with age and sex, and their sensitivity in monitoring the bone turnover induced by ovariectomy in old skeletally mature cynomolgus monkeys. Seven old cynomolgus monkeys were bilaterally ovariectomized and 13 age-matched monkeys were sham-operated. Bone mineral density and biochemical markers were measured before and at regular intervals after surgery for up to 20 months. Total alkaline phosphatase (total ALP), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme (bone ALP) and osteocalcin (OC) were highly correlated to the decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) induced by ovariectomy. Deoxypyridinoline (DPD) measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay was insensitive to the bone resorption induced by ovariectomy, but cross-linked N-telopeptide (NTX-I) was higher in ovariectomized monkeys than in control monkeys. These results demonstrate that reliable biochemical parameters are available to adequately monitor and provide insight into osteoclastic bone resorption and osteoblastic bone formation, the two components of bone turnover in this animal model, and can thus be used to assess the efficacy and toxicity of potential therapeutic agents.     

Short term effects on bone quality associated with consumption of soy protein isolate and other dietary protein sources in rapidly growing female rats

Beneficial effects of soy protein consumption on bone quality have been reported. The effects of other dietary protein sources such as whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) and rice protein isolate (RPI) on bone growth have been less well examined. The current study compared effects of feeding soy protein isolate (SPI), WPH and RPI for 14 d on tibial bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) in intact and ovariectomized (OVX) rapidly growing female rats relative to animals fed casein (CAS). The effects of estrogenic status on responses to SPI were also explored. Tibial peripheral quantitative computerized tomography (pQCT) showed all three protein sources had positive effects on either BMD or BMC relative to CAS (P < 0.05), but SPI had greater effects in both intact and OVX female rats. SPI and E2 had positive effects on BMD and BMC in OVX rats (P < 0.05). However, trabecular BMD was lower in a SPI + E2 group compared to a CAS + E2 group. In OVX rats, SPI increased serum bone formation markers, and serum from SPI-fed rats stimulated osteoblastogenesis in ex vivo. SPI also suppressed the bone resorption marker RatLaps (P < 0.05). Both SPI and E2 increased alkaline phosphatase gene expression in bone, but only SPI decreased receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) and estrogen receptor gene expression (P < 0.05). These data suggest beneficial bone effects of a soy diet in rapidly growing animals and the potential for early soy consumption to increase peak bone mass.     

Combination of conjugated linoleic acid with fish oil prevents age-associated bone marrow adiposity in C57Bl/6J mice

The inverse relationship between fat in bone marrow and bone mass in the skeleton of aging subjects is well known. However, there is no precise therapy for the treatment of bone marrow adiposity. We investigated the ability of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and fish oil (FO), alone or in combination, to modulate bone loss using 12 months old C57Bl/6J mice fed 10% corn oil diet as control or supplemented with 0.5% CLA or 5% FO or 0.5% CLA+5% FO for 6 months. We found, CLA-fed mice exhibited reduced body weight, body fat mass (BFM) and enhanced hind leg lean mass (HLLM) and bone mineral density (BMD) in different regions measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA); however, associated with fatty liver and increased insulin resistance; whereas, FO fed mice exhibited enhanced BMD, improved insulin sensitivity, with no changes in BFM and HLLM. Interestingly, CLA+FO fed mice exhibited reduced body weight, BFM, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and cathepsin K expression in bone marrow with enhanced BMD and HLLM. Moreover, CLA+FO supplementation reduced liver hypertrophy and improved insulin sensitivity with remarkable attenuation of bone marrow adiposity, inflammation and oxidative stress in aging mice. Therefore, CLA with FO combination might be a novel dietary supplement to reduce fat mass and improve BMD.     

Maternal Dietary Supplementation with Oligofructose-Enriched Inulin in Gestating/Lactating Rats Preserves Maternal Bone and Improves Bone Microarchitecture in Their Offspring

Nutrition during pregnancy and lactation could exert a key role not only on maternal bone, but also could influence the skeletal development of the offspring. This study was performed in rats to assess the relationship between maternal dietary intake of prebiotic oligofructose-enriched inulin and its role in bone turnover during gestation and lactation, as well as its effect on offspring peak bone mass/architecture during early adulthood. Rat dams were fed either with standard rodent diet (CC group), calcium-fortified diet (Ca group), or prebiotic oligofructose-enriched inulin supplemented diet (Pre group), during the second half of gestation and lactation. Bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC), as well as micro-structure of dams and offspring at different stages were analysed. Dams in the Pre group had significantly higher trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and smaller specific bone surface (BS/BV) of the tibia in comparison with CC dams. The Pre group offspring during early adulthood had an increase of the lumbar vertebra BMD when compared with offspring of CC and Ca groups. The Pre group offspring also showed significant increase versus CC in cancellous and cortical structural parameters of the lumbar vertebra 4 such as Tb.Th, cortical BMD and decreased BS/BV. The results indicate that oligofructose-enriched inulin supplementation can be considered as a plausible nutritional option for protecting against maternal bone loss during gestation and lactation preventing bone fragility and for optimizing peak bone mass and architecture of the offspring in order to increase bone strength.     

Protective effect of apigenin on ovariectomy-induced bone loss in rats

Recent studies have shown that apigenin not only inhibits bone resorption by osteoclasts but also induces osteoclast apoptosis. However, the influence of apigenin on osteoporosis in animals is relatively unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the bone-protective effects of apigenin in estrogen-deficient ovariectomized rats. Three-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were either sham-operated or ovariectomized and fed AIN-93G diet for 7 weeks to induce bone loss. To confirm bone loss, we used a newly developed non-invasive technique involving zoom-in micro-computed tomography. Apigenin was administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg three times a week for 15 weeks. Our results indicate that apigenin not only increased the mineral content and density of the trabecular bone at the neck of the left femur, but also decreased body weight and dietary consumption. Moreover, our biochemical results indicate that apigenin has a positive effect on bone turnover. The present data suggest that apigenin should be considered for use in the treatment of osteoporosis.