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Bone metabolism in obese rats programmed by early weaning
Lígia de Albuquerque Maia1, Patrícia Cristina Lisboa1, Elaine de Oliveira1
1Department of Physiological Sciences, State University of Rio de Janeiro, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20550-030, Brazil.
Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental
|December 21, 2013
Summary
Early weaning in rats programs offspring for obesity and increased bone mass. Researchers suggest leptin links these conditions, impacting bone metabolism and vitamin D levels.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Bone Biology
- Developmental Programming
Background:
- Obesity and osteoporosis share common pathogenic pathways due to shared origins of bone and adipose tissue.
- Early weaning (EW) in neonates can disrupt adipogenesis and osteogenesis, potentially leading to later obesity and hyperleptinemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that altered adipogenesis due to early weaning affects bone metabolism.
- To examine the long-term effects of mechanical (MEW) and pharmacological (PEW) early weaning on bone mass and metabolism in rats.
Main Methods:
- Three groups of lactating rats: control, mechanical EW (MEW), and pharmacological EW (PEW) using bromocriptine.
- Adult offspring assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, CT scans, micro-CT, biomechanical testing, and serum analyses.
Main Results:
- MEW and PEW groups showed increased bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content, and bone area at postnatal days 150 and 180.
- Enhanced bone structure, stiffness, and strength were observed, alongside hyperleptinemia, increased visceral fat, and higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels.
- Lowered serum C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen indicated reduced bone resorption.
Conclusions:
- Early weaning models promote both obesity and increased bone mass in offspring.
- Leptin, elevated in weaned groups, likely mediates the link between obesity and enhanced bone mass by increasing vitamin D levels.
