Comparison of the Therapeutic Effects of Yeast-incorporated Gallium with those of Inorganic Gallium on Ovariectomized Osteopenic Rats

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect and toxicity of yeast-incorporated gallium (YG) with inorganic gallium (gallium nitrate, IG) in preventing osteoporosis in ovariectomized (OVX) Wistar female rats. After the rats were treated orally with YG and IG respectively, the urine calcium, plasma calcium, plasma phosphorus, bone mineral content, mechanical testing, and the mass of uterus, thymus, and body were examined. Treatments were performed over an 8-week period. Both YG and IG have a positive effect on mechanical strength and mineral content of OVX osteopenic rats. However, treatment with YG only caused a 24.3% and 41.4% decrease in plasma calcium and inorganic phosphate concentrations, whereas IG decreased plasma calcium and inorganic phosphate concentrations by up to 39.9% and 49.0%, respectively. It was different significantly. At the same time, YG significantly increased weights of atrophic uteri, weights of body, and also decreased the thymus mass in OVX animals, while IG did not exhibit any such effects. Our experiments have demonstrated that YG may reduce gallium-associated toxicity, hypocalcemia, and maintain its effect, while IG maintains both of its effect on osteoporosis and side effect of hypocalcemia.