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. 2011 Feb 4:11:10.
doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-11-10.

Olive oil effectively mitigates ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats

Nermine K Saleh  1 , Hanan A Saleh
Affiliations

Olive oil effectively mitigates ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats

Nermine K Saleh et al. BMC Complement Altern Med. .

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis, 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.

Methods: We 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.

Results: The 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.

Conclusions: Olive oil effectively mitigated ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats, and is a promising candidate for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Proximal metaphysis of tibia of the control group (H&E). A: a network of trabeculae of cancellous bone. Osteocytes (oc) reside in their lacunae in between the irregular bone lamellae. Bone marrow spaces are seen between the trabeculae. (×250) B: osteoprogenitor cells (op), C: Ostoblasts (ob), and D: osteoclasts (OCL) appear lining the endosteal surface. (×640)
Figure 2
Figure 2
Proximal metaphysis of tibia of the control group (Azure II-Methylene blue). A: bone trabeculae (black triangle) with bone marrow spaces (m) inbetween (×250). B: osteoprogenitor cells (op), and C: osteoblasts (ob) line the endosteal surface. (×640).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Proximal metaphysis of tibia of the OVX-group (H&E). A: loss of the normal architecture of trabeculae of cancellous bone with widening of bone marrow spaces (×200). B: apparent increase in the number of osteoclasts (OCL).(×640) C: higher magnification of multinucleated osteoclast (OCL) in Howship's lacunae (×1000).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Proximal metaphysis of tibia in the OVX-group (Azure II-Methylene blue). A: trabeculae (black triangle) of cancellous bone as separate bony ossicles with widened bone marrow spaces (m). (×250) B: eroded surface of a trabecula (↑) with proliferation of osteoblasts (ob) on sides of erosion. (×400) C: oscteoclast (OCL) in Howship's lacuna (×640).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Proximal metaphysis of tibia in the Olive-OVX group showing preserved architecture of trabeculae in comparison to the OVX-rats. Trabeculae appear more or less continuous with bone marrow spaces (m) in between. A: H&E (×250), B: Azure II-Methylene blue (×200).
Figure 6
Figure 6
Section in the liver of the control group showing branching and anastomosing cords of hepatocytes radiating from the central vein (CV) towards the portal area (P). Hepatocytes are separated by blood sinusoids lined by flat endothelial cells and Kupffer cells. (H&E X400)
Figure 7
Figure 7
Section in the liver of the OVX-group showing mononuclear cellular infiltration in the portal area(P). Notice the marked congestion of the blood vessels in the portal area. (H&E X400).
Figure 8
Figure 8
Section in the liver of the Olive-OVX group showing a picture similar to the control. Mononuclear cellular infiltration and congestion are not detected in the portal area (P) (CV: central vein). (H&E X400).
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