The effects of osteoprotegerin on the mechanical properties of rat bone

Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a naturally secreted protein that decreases bone resorption by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and activation while promoting osteoclast apoptosis [8]. In this study, the effects of osteoprotegerin injections on long bone mechanical and material properties were investigated in young male Sprague-Dawley rats. OPG increased fracture strength at the femur mid-diaphysis in three-point bending by 30%, without affecting the elastic or maximum strength. At the femoral neck, OPG significantly increased the elastic (45%), maximum (15%), and fracture (35%) strengths. There was not a difference in microhardness at the femur mid-diaphysis in comparing the placebo and OPG groups. There were, however, significant increases in whole bone dry mass (25%), mineral mass (30%), organic mass (17%), and percent mineralization (4%); percent mineralization at the mid-diaphysis (3%); and percent mineralization at the distal epiphysis (6%) due to the OPG treatment. While OPG decreased endocortical bone formation (52%), total bone area, endocortical bone area, and periosteal bone formation were maintained with OPG treatment. A 30% increase in the X-ray opacity of the bone at the proximal metaphysis of the right tibiae was observed. Overall, OPG increased mineralization and strength indices in the rat femur. Its effects on strength were more pronounced in the femoral neck than at the mid-diaphysis.