Serum Chemerin Levels in Ovariectomized Osteoporotic Rat Model.

Abstract

Background: Chemerin is an adipocytokine that controls adipocyte differentiation and related to immune and inflammatory functions. Post-menopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is the most common bone disease in females characterized by decreased bone mineral density (BMD); relationship between chemerin and osteoporosis remains unclear. Objective: To assess serum chemerin levels in osteoporotic rat model induced by ovariectomy, and to investigate the interplay between serum chemerin levels and BMD, also the impact of estradiol replacement therapy on chemerin levels and its association with BMD parameters. Material and methods: Three equal groups of adult female albino rats (n=12) were used; sham operated control (sham), ovariectomized (OVX) and OVX with estrogen replacement (OVX-ER) groups. Nine weeks after ovariectomy, serum analysis, bone BMD measurements and histopathology were done. Results: In OVX osteoporotic rat model, serum levels of chemerin were significantly elevated (P<0.001) when compared to other groups, and negatively correlated with BMD, Changes in OVX chemerin levels were significantly associated with the elevated insulin resistance. However, they were not associated with FSH or estradiol levels. Conclusion: OVX induced osteoporosis was associated with significant rising in chemerin levels which were associated with changes in insulin resistance rather than sex hormones. It can be hypothesized that the exact causative of PMOP extends beyond pituitary; ovarian axis to be metabolic and adiposity cross talks which needs more detailed investigations.