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Due to recent evidence demonstrating the link between the immune system and skeletal health, this study was designed to determine the osteoprotective effects of dried plum (DP) on bone metabolism and the immune response. Twelve‐week old female mice (n=59) were assigned to 5 treatment groups for a duration of 4 wks: sham‐operated (Sham) control diet (AIN‐96M), ovariectomized (OVX)‐control diet and OVX animals receiving diet supplemented with 5%, 15%, or 25% DP (w/w). Bone mineral density and content of the spine was decreased (8%) by OVX, which was totally prevented by 25% DP. µCT analyses revealed the OVX compromise in spine and proximal tibial bone volume was prevented by higher doses of DP. Similar results were also observed in the trabecular number and thickness of the spine. Simulated biomechanical tests (finite element analyses) showed the improved structural properties observed with DP (15% & 25%) resulted in enhanced bone strength and stiffness. These alterations in bone mass and architecture coincided with increased serum IGF‐I and reduced bone turnover (i.e. serum PINP) in OVX mice consuming DP. Following ex vivo Con A stimulation, splenocyte TNF‐α production was suppressed by DP, but no change in IL‐6 occurred. This study supports DP's positive effects on bone in the OVX mouse model; however the role of the immune system in this response warrants further investigation. (Supported by California Dried Plum Board)Grant Funding SourceCalifornia Dried Plum Board

Certain exotic mushrooms contain beta‐glucan that has been shown to modulate immunity and provide health benefits. However, little information is available on the health benefits of portabella mushrooms (PM). The objective of the study was to assess the effects of PM on indices of nutritional status in mice without and with collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA). Eight‐week old, DBA female mice were fed either the AIN76 (baseline) diet or the same diet fortified with 5% lyophilized PM (20/group) for 6 weeks. To induce CIA, 50% of mice received 100 ug bovine collagen type II intradermally followed by 50 ug LPS 20 days later. Lean and fat mass, bone mineral density, and various organ weights were assessed by standard techniques 10 days after LPS injection. Between 90‐100% of mice that received collagen developed mild‐moderate paw swelling. In PM and baseline fed mice, CIA reduced body weight and thymus weights by 13%‐47%, doubled spleen weights, and increased relative weights of heart, liver, and kidney by 20‐24.5% for PM and 22‐28% for baseline diet (p <0.05). Non‐CIA and CIA mice fed PM diet had higher percent of body fat (32.6% & 25.8%) than those fed baseline diet (25% & 21.9%) (p <0.05). Compared to baseline diet, PM attenuated thymus atrophy (13% vs 47%) and loss of lean mass (10% vs 17%) after CIA induction (p<0.05). PM slightly (4‐5%) increased bone mineral content but not bone mineral density in CIA and non‐CIA mice. Data suggest that PM increase the percent of body fat which may attenuate muscle protein loss and minimize thymus atrophy hence T cell numbers in rheumatoid arthritis. Supp.: Grant # 580790706 (Mushroom Council/USDA/NutriCore) and funds from Oklahoma State University.Grant Funding SourceThe Mushroom Council/USDA

Mushrooms have been used in ancient Chinese medicine for treatment and prevention of many diseases due to their immunomodulatory properties. However, less work has been conducted on the white button mushrooms, commonly found in US. The objective of this study was to examine the extent to which diets fortified with 5% white button mushrooms (WM), shiitake (SM), and portabella (PM), can prevent the development of collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) in mice, an experimental model for the human disease. Eight‐week old DBA female mice (n=110) were fed either the AIN76 (baseline, n=37) diet or the experimental diets (n=19‐27/group) for 6 weeks. After intradermal injection of a single dose of 100 ug bovine collagen type II to 50% of the mice, a single dose of 50 ug LPS was given by intraperitoneal injection on 20d post immunization. Paw swelling was assessed by three different investigators between day 4, 5, and 6 after LPS injection. The percentage of mice that developed paw swelling was as follows: 100%, 83%, 54%, and 64% for PM, baseline, WM, and SM diets, respectively (p <0.05). None of the mice that received the vehicle developed CIA. The mean arthritis index (paw swelling severity) was also higher in PM fed mice (9.0) than in the other groups (5.67‐6.86). Mushrooms tended to decrease TNF‐a and IL‐6 levels in CIA mice by 22‐46%. Although mean body weights slightly decreased in CIA mice, they were not affected by mushroom fortification. Data suggest that WM and SM appear to provide protection from the development of CIA but may not alter the severity of the disease. Supp.: Grant # 580790706 (Mushroom Council/USDA/NutriCore) and funds from Oklahoma State University.