Abstract
Objectives: The present study examined the effect DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) on bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) and biomarkers of bone remodeling in orchidectomized male rats. Material and Methods: A total of 32 male rats were divided equally into four groups (n = 8): (i) control group (C), (ii) control treated with DHEA (Control + DHEA), (iii) orchidectomized (ORCH) group that underwent bilateral orchidectomy and (iv) orchidectomized (ORCH) rats treated with DHEA (ORCH+DHEA). DHEA treatment started 4 weeks after orchidectomy and continued for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks the bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were assayed in the tibia and femur of the right hind limb of each rat. We also measured the serum levels of the bone turnover markers deoxypyridinoline (Dpd), N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTx), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRAP-5b) and osteocalcin (OC) as well as receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (RANK) and osteoprotegerin (OPG). Results: Orchidectomy in rats caused significant reduction in BMD, BMC, serum levels of testosterone, PTH (parathyroid hormone), OPG, OC and ALP with significant rise in serum levels of TRAP-5B, RANK, Dpd and NTx1 (p < 0.05). On the other hand, DHEA therapy for 12 weeks caused significant improvement in all studied parameters except NTx1 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: DHEA corrected hypogonadism-induced osteoporosis in male rats probably via inhibiting osteoclastogenesis, stimulating the activity of osteoblasts and stimulating the secretion of PTH and testosterone.
Highlights
Bone is not a static but dynamic tissue that shows a continuous process of bone resorption and apposition or remodeling [1]
When osteoblasts are activated by inducers such as parathyroid hormone (PTH), interleukin 1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or prostaglandin (PGE-2), they secrete factors that activate the osteoclasts to resorb bone [2]
The main findings of the present study included: a) orchidectomy in rats resulted in significant reductions in serum testosterone, PTH, bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), OPG, osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
Summary
Bone is not a static but dynamic tissue that shows a continuous process of bone resorption and apposition (building up) or remodeling [1]. The process of bone remodeling plays a crucial role in keeping calcium plasma levels constant. The bone resorption is greater than bone apposition leading to loss of bone [2]. When osteoblasts are activated by inducers such as parathyroid hormone (PTH), interleukin 1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or prostaglandin (PGE-2), they secrete factors that activate the osteoclasts to resorb bone [2]. Decreases in both sexes with advancing age at both cancellous and cortical sites [3].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
