Mandible bone loss in osteoporosis rats

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Science
• Osteoporosis Research
• Dental and Craniofacial Research

Background:

• Osteoporosis development in the mandible remains under-researched.
• Aged female rats were used to model osteoporosis due to its relevance to human postmenopausal bone loss.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate changes in mandibular bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) during experimental osteoporosis.
• To identify specific mandibular regions affected by osteoporosis.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-six aged female Wistar rats underwent ovariectomy (OVX) or sham surgery.
• Rats were fed diets with either 1.0% or 0.01% calcium for 3-6 months.
• Mandibular BMC and BMD were analyzed using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT).

Main Results:

• Both OVX and dietary calcium deficiency significantly decreased trabecular and cortical BMC and BMD compared to controls.
• Dietary calcium deficiency induced more severe bone loss than OVX.
• No significant age-related changes in BMC and BMD were observed between 3 and 6 months post-surgery.
• Mandibular BMC and BMD varied significantly by anatomical location within the mandible.

Conclusions:

• Experimental osteoporosis, induced by OVX and calcium deficiency, negatively impacts mandibular bone quality.
• Dietary calcium is a critical factor in maintaining mandibular bone health in aging female rats.
• Targeted assessment of mandibular regions is important for understanding osteoporosis-related bone changes.