Olive Oil effectively mitigates ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats

Abstract

BackgroundOsteoporosis, a reduction in bone mineral density, represents the most common metabolic bone disease. Postmenopausal women are particularly susceptible to osteoporosis when their production of estrogen declines. For these women, fracture is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. This study was conducted to evaluate the protective effects of olive oil supplementation against osteoporosis in ovariectomized (OVX) rats.MethodsWe studied adult female Wistar rats aged 12-14 months, divided into three groups: sham-operated control (SHAM), ovariectomized (OVX), and ovariectomized rats supplemented with extravirgin olive oil (Olive-OVX) orally for 12 weeks; 4 weeks before ovariectomy and 8 weeks after. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected. Plasma levels of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitrates were assayed. Specimens from both the tibia and the liver were processed for light microscopic examination. Histomorphometric analysis of the tibia was also performed.ResultsThe OVX-rats showed a significant decrease in plasma calcium levels, and a significant increase in plasma ALP, MDA, and nitrates levels. These changes were attenuated by olive oil supplementation in the Olive-OVX rats. Light microscopic examination of the tibia of the OVX rats revealed a significant decrease in the cortical bone thickness (CBT) and the trabecular bone thickness (TBT). In addition, there was a significant increase in the osteoclast number denoting bone resorption. In the Olive-OVX rats these parameters were markedly improved as compared to the OVX group. Examination of the liver specimens revealed mononuclear cellular infiltration in the portal areas in the OVX-rats which was not detected in the Olive-OVX rats.ConclusionsOlive oil effectively mitigated ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats, and is a promising candidate for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Huile d’olive et santé osseuse

“…Ce travail a permis de constater que la consommation d'huile d'olive (5 % dans le régime alimentaire) exerce une protection efficace du squelette contre les effets délétères de l'inflammation cumulés à ceux induits par une carence oestrogénique (ovariectomie), mimant une ostéoporose de type sénile, principalement en amé-liorant les marqueurs de l'inflammation. Ces données ont été D511, page 3 de 7 récemment corroborées par Saleh et Saleh (2011) qui ont observé une amélioration, chez la rate ovariectomisée ayant une alimentation riche en huile d'olive, des paramètres suivants : épaisseur des travées osseuses et de la corticale, de la phosphatase alcaline, et d'un marqueur du stress oxydant, le MDA (malonhyl dialdéhyde). Dans un autre modèle de perte osseuse, caractéristique de la parodontite, Bullon et al (2013) ont mis en évidence une prévention de l'altération de l'os alvéolaire chez les animaux ayant reçu une alimentation riche en huile d'olive ou de poisson, grâce au maintien de l'activité mitochondriale (processus d'autophagie, statut oxydant, et en évitant les alté-rations des systèmes de transport des électrons).…”

Effects of Leptin on Metabolic Bone Turnover in Ovariectomy Rats

“…Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease associated with unequilibrated bone remodeling due to decreased bone formation or accelerated bone resorption (1). This increases bone fragility, which means that fractures can occur after low-energy traumas (2).…”

Olive Oil and the Senescent Bone

“…In concordance with these in vitro experiments, a prospective effect of olive oil and oleuropein has been also observed in animal models [43]. Saleh et al reported in 2011 a study with adult female Wistar rats aged 12-14 months.…”