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Vitex agnus castus as prophylaxis for osteopenia after orchidectomy in rats compared with estradiol and testosterone
S Sehmisch1, J Boeckhoff, J Wille
1Department of Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Georg-August-University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany. stephan.sehmisch@med.uni-goettingen.de
Abstract:
Osteoporosis research undertaken in males is rare and there are only a few therapeutic options. Phytoestrogens might be a safe alternative for prophylaxis. Sixty 3-month-old male rats were orchidectomized and divided into five groups. The groups either received soy-free food (C), estradiol (E), testosterone (T) or Vitex agnus castus in different concentrations (AC high/AC low) for 12 weeks. The tibia metaphysis was tested biomechanically and histomorphometrically. The AC high group reached 87% of the biomechanical values of the estradiol group and was significantly superior to the control group. Testosterone supplementation resulted in poor biomechanical properties. The cortical bone parameters of the AC group were similar to the control group, while supplementation with estradiol and testosterone demonstrated a reduction of cortical bone. The AC high group reached 88.4% of trabecular bone area, 80.7% of trabecular number and 66.9% of the number of trabecular nodes compared with estradiol supplementation. Vitex agnus castus demonstrated osteoprotective effects in males. It preserves the cortical as well as the trabecular bone and might be a safe alternative for HRT. Testosterone supplementation has positive effects on trabecular bone, which are concurrently counteracted by the loss of cortical bone.
Insights
Vitex agnus castus (VAC) shows significant osteoprotective effects in male rats, preserving both cortical and trabecular bone. This phytoestrogen may offer a safe alternative for osteoporosis prophylaxis and hormone replacement therapy in males.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Bone Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Osteoporosis research in males is limited, with few therapeutic options available.
- Phytoestrogens are being explored as potential prophylactic agents due to their safety profile.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the osteoprotective effects of Vitex agnus castus (VAC) in an orchidectomized male rat model.
- To compare the effects of VAC with estradiol and testosterone supplementation on bone health.
Main Methods:
- Sixty 3-month-old male rats underwent orchidectomy and were divided into five groups: control (soy-free diet), estradiol, testosterone, and two concentrations of VAC (high/low).
- Treatment lasted 12 weeks, followed by biomechanical and histomorphometric testing of the tibia metaphysis.
Main Results:
- The high-dose VAC group exhibited 87% of the biomechanical values seen with estradiol and was significantly better than the control.
- VAC preserved cortical bone parameters similarly to the control group, unlike estradiol and testosterone which reduced cortical bone.
- The high-dose VAC group showed substantial preservation of trabecular bone area, number, and nodes compared to estradiol.
Conclusions:
- Vitex agnus castus demonstrates significant osteoprotective effects in males, preserving both cortical and trabecular bone.
- VAC may serve as a safe alternative for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in males.
- Testosterone supplementation positively impacts trabecular bone but is counteracted by cortical bone loss.
