The effects of different nutritional supplements on experimentally induced osteoporosis in male albino rats: a scanning electron microscopic study

Introduction :Osteoporosis is one of the major health problems afflicting our modern world, especially disuse osteoporosis. Reduction of mechanical stresses on bone could lead to osteoporosis. Aim of the work :To study the role of Ca and vitamins D and K on the prevention of immobilization osteoporosis. Materials and methods :The study included 30 adult male albino rats. They were divided into three groups. Group I (the control group) and group II were immobilized by casting their right lower limb for 4 weeks. Group III (the immobilization group that concomitantly received a dietary supplement) was further subdivided into four subgroups; subgroup IIIa was given Ca citrate, subgroup IIIb was given vitamin D (alfacalcidol), subgroup IIIc was given Ca and vitamin D, and subgroup IIId was given vitamin K during the same period of immobilization. The distal ends of the femur of the immobilized limb were taken, processed, and examined using scanning electron microscopy. Morphometric studies were carried out. Results: The results showed significant thinning of both compact and cancellous bone on immobilization. Multiple cavities and cracks and widening of the Haversian canal were detected in the compact bone. Thin irregular spike-like bone trabeculae and fracture were also seen in the cancellous bone trabeculae. Administration of either Ca (subgroup IIIa) or vitamin D (subgroup IIIb) with immobilization did not improve most of the previous results. Combined administration of both Ca and vitamin D (subgroup IIIc) improved cortical bone thickness but not the thickness of cancellous bone. Administration of vitamin K (subgroup IIId) with immobilization resulted in extensive branching and anastomosing bone trabeculae in the metaphysis. Conclusion :For the period of this experiment, vitamin K proved to be more effective as a protective agent compared with combined Ca and vitamin D administration in cases of immobilization osteoporosis. Level of evidence: Three in vitro.