The effects of eggshell calcium (Biomin H® ) and its combinations with alfacalcidol (1α-hydroxyvitamin D3) and menaquinone-7 (vitamin K2) on ovariectomy-induced bone loss in a rat model of osteoporosis.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of eggshell calcium (Biomin H® dietary supplement) and its combinations with alfacalcidol (1α-hydroxyvitamin D3 ) and menaquinone-7 (vitamin K2 ) on ovariectomy-induced bone loss in rats. Adult female rats (n=48) were divided into 6 groups of 8 individuals each: sham-operated rats (SHAM); ovariectomized (OVX) rats untreated; OVX rats treated with Biomin H® (BIO); OVX rats simultaneously receiving Biomin H® , vitamin D3 (BIO+D3 ); OVX rats simultaneously treated with Biomin H® , vitamin K2 (BIO+K2 ) and OVX rats treated with Biomin H® , vitamin D3 , vitamin K2 (BIO+D3 +K2 ) during 8weeks. Biochemical parameters, bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC) and femoral bone microstructure were determined. Plasma calcium and phosphate were increased in BIO+D3 and BIO+D3 +K2 groups as compared to OVX. Alkaline phosphatase was elevated in OVX, BIO versus SHAM, BIO+D3 +K2 groups. When compared to OVX group, decreased urine deoxypyridinoline was observed in all treated groups and femoral BMD, BMC were higher in BIO, BIO+D3 , BIO+D3 +K2 groups. The BIO+K2 rats had similar densitometrical values than OVX individuals. Microcomputed tomography revealed increased trabecular relative bone volume (due to an increase in trabecular number) in BIO+D3 , BIO+D3 +K2 as compared to OVX. The higher relative bone volume in BIO+D3 , BIO+D3 +K2 groups was also accompanied by an increase in bone surface. In the cortical bone, an enhanced periosteal bone apposition was identified in BIO, BIO+D3 , BIO+K2 , BIO+D3 +K2 groups. The rats from BIO+D3 +K2 group had a higher area of primary osteon's vascular canals. In BIO+D3 , BIO+K2 , BIO+D3 +K2 groups, an increased area of secondary osteons was determined in comparison with OVX. Our results indicate the beneficial effect of triple application of Biomin H® , vitamin D3 , vitamin K2 , as well as simultaneous administration of Biomin H® , vitamin D3 on the inhibition of ovariectomy-induced bone loss in a rat model of osteoporosis.