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Effects of calcium sources and soluble silicate on bone metabolism and the related gene expression in mice

Fusako Maehira1, Ikuko Miyagi, Yukinori Eguchi

  • 1Laboratory of Biometabolic Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa, Japan. fmaehira@med.u-ryukryu.ac.jp

Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)
|January 6, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Coral sand and soluble silicon significantly improved bone health in mice by enhancing bone formation and reducing bone resorption markers. These findings highlight the importance of silicon content in calcium sources for skeletal integrity.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Biomaterials Science
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Bone health is influenced by calcium (Ca) and silicon (Si) intake.
  • Different Ca sources vary in their soluble Si content.
  • Understanding these variations is crucial for optimizing bone metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the effects of five Ca sources with varying soluble Si content on bone properties in mice.
  • To investigate the impact of these Ca sources on gene expression related to bone remodeling.

Main Methods:

  • Weanling male mice were fed diets with 1% Ca from different sources (CaCO3, coral sand, fossil stony coral, fish bone, eggshell) for 6 months.
  • mRNA expression related to bone remodeling was quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Main Results:

  • Coral sand and fossil stony coral had the highest soluble Si content.
  • Si, coral sand, and fossil stony coral improved bone biochemical and mechanical properties.
  • Gene expression analysis showed increased osteoblastogenesis and decreased osteoclastogenesis markers with Si and coral sand.

Conclusions:

  • Soluble silicate, particularly from coral sand, enhances bone biochemical and mechanical properties.
  • These improvements are mediated by stimulating osteoblastogenesis and suppressing osteoclastogenesis gene expression.
  • The soluble Si content of Ca sources is a key factor in bone health benefits.

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