Glucocorticoids affect bone mineral density and bone remodelling in OVX sheep: A pilot study

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Endocrinology
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Osteoporosis animal models are crucial for studying bone loss.
• Large animal models offer physiological relevance for human bone diseases.
• Validating new models accelerates research into osteoporosis treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate a sheep model combining ovariectomy and glucocorticoid treatment for osteoporosis.
• To assess bone loss and specific biomarker changes over five months.
• To establish a reliable large animal model for osteoporosis research.

Main Methods:

• Aged Merino ewes were divided into control, ovariectomy (OVX), and two OVX with glucocorticoid groups (OVXG, OVXG2).
• Measurements included bone resorption marker C-terminal telopeptides of type 1 collagen (CTx-1), serum osteocalcin (OC), bone mineral density (BMD), and bone parameters.
• Blood biomarkers and bone density were monitored over five months.

Main Results:

• Ovariectomy increased CTx-1 and serum osteocalcin (OC) concentrations.
• Combined OVX and glucocorticoid treatment elevated CTx-1 and decreased OC compared to OVXG2.
• Significant reductions in femur, lumbar spine, and proximal tibia bone density were observed in treated groups.

Conclusions:

• The combination of ovariectomy and glucocorticoids rapidly induces bone loss in sheep.
• This validated model provides a robust platform for osteoporosis research.
• The model effectively mimics key pathological features of osteoporosis.