The effect of ovariectomy on bone mineral density and bone microstructure of SOST gene knockout mice / 中国医师杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To observe the changes in bone mineral density and microstructure parameters in sclerostin (SOST) gene knockout (SOST -/-) mice after ovariectomy. Methods:Twelve 4-week-old SOST knockout mice were randomly divided into two groups ( n=6) ovariectomized group (SOV), sham operated group (SSO). Twelve wild-type mice were randomly divided into two groups ( n=6) wild-type ovariectomized group (WTO), wild-type sham operated group (WTS). Twelve weeks later, mice were sacrificed and one lumbar vertebra of each mouse was selected for micro-CT analysis. The bone mineral density, trabecular volume fraction, trabecular number and trabecular thickness were observed and compared in the 4 groups. Results:There was no difference in bone mineral density, trabecular volume fraction, trabecular number and trabecular thickness between SOV and SSO groups. Bone mineral density, trabecular volume fraction, trabecular number and trabecular thickness in SOV and SSO groups were significantly higher than those in WTO and WTS groups ( P<0.001). Bone mineral density, trabecular volume fraction and trabecular number in WTO group were significantly lower than those in WTS group ( P=0.017, 0.039, 0.021, respectively). There was no difference in trabecular thickness between WTO and WTS groups. Conclusions:Sclerostin knockout mice showed high bone mass, and ovariectomy did not lead to bone loss and bone microstructure degeneration, which indicates that slerostin is a potential therapeutic target for postmenopausal osteoporosis.