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.
Highlights
Osteoporosis, a reduction in bone mineral density, represents the most common metabolic bone disease
Biochemical parameters The results of this study clearly demonstrated significant decrease in the plasma Ca2+ level 8 weeks after ovariectomy in OVX-rats as compared to both the SHAMoperated control rats as well as the Olive-OVX rats
Plasma alkaline phosphatase level was significantly increased in the OVX-rats as compared to the sham-operated control (SHAM)-operated control rats
Summary
Osteoporosis, a reduction in bone mineral density, represents the most common metabolic bone disease. Postmenopausal women are susceptible to osteoporosis when their production of estrogen declines. For these women, fracture is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Observational studies have shown that HRT is associated with a 30%-50% reduction of hip, Olive oil has been reported to favor the mineralization and development of bones [4]. It is a complex compound made of fatty acids, vitamins, volatile components and water soluble components. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (mainly oleic acid) It contains adequate amounts of linoleic acid. It contains a group of related natural products with potent antioxidant properties, which are esters of tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol, including oleocanthal and oleuropein as well as vitamin E
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