Effects of Isoflavones on Bone Mineral Density and Bone Mineral Content in Ovariectomized Rats

ABSTRACT

A recent study reported that a diet rich in isoflavones is beneficial for bone formation in growing rats. It therefore seemed desirable to find out whether the beneficial effect of isoflavones in ovariectomized rats could also be reproduced with same amount of isoflavones which used for growing rats. To study the effect of isoflavones, an equal amount of isoflavones which used for growing rats, on bone mineral density and bone mineral content in ovariectmized rats were performed. Forty female Sprague-Dawley rats (body weight 210+/-5 g) were divided into two groups, ovariectomy and sham groups, which were each randomly divided into two subgroups that were fed casein and casein supplemented with isoflavones diets for 9 weeks after operation. All rats were fed on experimental diet and deionized water ad libitum for 9 weeks. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were measured using PIXImus (GE Lunar Co, Wisconsin) in spine and femur. Serum alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) and osteocalcin and urinary DPD crosslinks value were measured as markers of bone formation and resorption. The results of this study indicate that body weight gain and food intake were higher in ovariectomy groups than in sham groups regardless of diets. Serum Ca concentration was lower in ovariectomy groups than in SHAM groups. Serum ALP, osteocalcin, and crosslink value were increased in ovariectomy groups. Spine BMD/weight, femur BMD/weight, and femur BMC/weight of ovariectomy groups were significantly lower than SHAM groups after 9 weeks. However, isoflavones supplemented group in ovariectomy groups, serum ALP and osteocalcin concentrations, spine BMD/weight and spine BMC, femur BMD/weight and femur BMC/weight were significantly increased after 9 weeks. In conclusion, the beneficial effect of isoflavones on bone in ovareiectomized rats was shown on 9 weeks after feeding with an equal amount of isoflavones supplementation which used for growing rats.