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Lycopene effects on serum mineral elements and bone strength in rats
Haidong Liang1, Fang Yu, Zhihong Tong
1Hands and Feet Microsurgery, Dalian Municipal Central Hospital, Dalian 116033, China. lianghddlytt@sina.com
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 26, 2012
Summary
Lycopene supplementation improved bone health in ovariectomized (OVX) rats by enhancing bone mineral density and strength. This study suggests lycopene may protect against bone loss associated with estrogen deficiency.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Endocrinology
- Nutrition
Background:
- Ovariectomy (OVX) in rats mimics postmenopausal bone loss.
- Estrogen deficiency leads to decreased bone mineral density and strength.
- Bone biomarkers like calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase are altered in OVX models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of lycopene on bone health in an OVX rat model.
- To assess lycopene's impact on bone biomarkers and bone mechanical properties.
Main Methods:
- Female Wistar rats underwent sham surgery or OVX.
- Rats were administered lycopene (20, 30, 40 mg/kg) or vehicle for 8 weeks.
- Serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), estrogen, and bone gla protein (BGP) were measured.
- Bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), and biomechanical properties were evaluated.
Main Results:
- OVX rats showed decreased estrogen and bone health markers (BMD, BMC, mechanical strength) compared to sham-operated rats.
- Lycopene treatment significantly increased estrogen levels and improved all measured bone health parameters in OVX rats.
- Lycopene administration reduced elevated serum calcium, phosphorus, ALP, and IL-6 levels in OVX rats.
Conclusions:
- Lycopene consumption demonstrates a significant protective effect on bone in OVX rats.
- Lycopene may be a beneficial dietary component for mitigating bone loss due to estrogen deficiency.
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