Lycopene Effects on Serum Mineral Elements and Bone Strength in Rats

Haidong Liang,Zhihong Tong,Fang Yu,Weifeng Zeng

doi:10.3390/molecules17067093

Haidong Liang, Zhihong Tong + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules17067093

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Abstract

This study investigated the beneficial effect of lycopene on bone biomarkers in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Female Wistar rats were either sham operated or surgically ovariectomized and then fed with lycopene for 8 weeks. Serum Ca, P, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and bone gla protein (BGP) concentration was significantly higher in the untreated OVX group compared with that of the sham group, whereas serum estrogen levels were lower. Bone mineral density (BMD), BMD/wt, bone mineral content (BMC), BMC/wt values, maximum load, stiffness, energy and maximum stress were significantly lower in the untreated OVX group compared with that of the sham group. Administration of lycopene (20, 30 and 40 mg/kg b.w.) for 8 weeks significantly decreased serum Ca, P, ALP, and IL-6 concentration, and enhanced serum estrogen level, BMD, BMD/wt, BMC, BMC/wt values, maximum load, stiffness, energy and maximum stress in lycopene-treated OVX groups. In conclusion, the consumption of lycopene may have the most protective effect on bone in OVX rats.

Highlights

Osteoporosis, is of Molecules 2012, 17 great importance in health care
Final body weights in all doses of lycopene-treated (OVX + lycopene (20, 30 and 40 mg/kg b.w.)) groups were significantly lower than those in the untreated model group (p < 0.05; p < 0.01) (Table 1)
We examined the beneficial effects of lycopene against the reduction of bone mass, mineral elements and bone strength induced by ovariectomy in rats

Summary

Introduction

Osteoporosis (a disease of aging associated with bone loss that often occurs without symptoms until microarchitectural deterioration becomes so significant that bone fracture occurs invariably at the trabeculae where a reduction in the bone mass is below what is required for normal bone support), is of Molecules 2012, 17 great importance in health care. Lycopene is an open-chain, unsaturated carotenoid that imparts red color to tomatoes and other fruits. It is found in unprocessed foods predominantly as the trans isomer (CAS No 502-65-8). Rao et al report that the dietary antioxidant lycopene reduces oxidative stress and the levels of bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women [19]. Mackinnon et al.’s work show that the daily consumption of lycopene decrease oxidative injury, bone resorption and increase intake of calcium, niacin, and vitamins A, D, and K in postmenopausal women [20,21,22,23].

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