GLP-2 administration in ovariectomized mice enhances collagen maturity but did not improve bone strength

Osteoporosis and bone fragility are progressing worldwide. Previous published literature reported a possible beneficial role of gut hormones, and especially glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2), in modulating bone remodeling. As now (Gly²)GLP-2 is approved in the treatment of short bowel syndrome, we thought to investigate whether such molecule could be beneficial in bone fragility. MC3T3 and Raw 264.7 were cultured in presence of ascending concentrations of (Gly²)GLP-2. Collagen crosslinks, maturity, lysyl oxidase activity and osteoclastogenesis were then analyzed. Furthermore, (Gly²)GLP-2, at the clinical approved dose of 50 μg/kg/day, was also administered to ovariectomized Balb/c mice for 8 weeks. Hundred μg/kg zoledronic acid (once iv) was also used as a positive comparator. Bone strength, microarchitectures and bone tissue composition were analyzed by 3-point bending, compression test, microCT and Fourier transform infrared imaging, respectively. In vitro, (Gly²)GLP-2 was potent in enhancing bone matrix gene expression but also to dose-dependently enhanced collagen maturation and post-processing. (Gly²)GLP-2 was also capable of reducing dose-dependently the number of newly generated osteoclasts. However, in vivo, (Gly²)GLP-2 was not capable of improving neither bone strength, at the femur diaphysis or lumbar vertebrae, nor bone microarchitecture. On the other hand, at the tissue material level, (Gly²)GLP-2 significantly enhances collagen maturity and reduce phosphate/amide ratio. Overall, this study highlights that despite modification of bone tissue composition, (Gly²)GLP-2, at the clinical approved dose of 50 μg/kg/day, did not provide real beneficial effects in improving bone strength in a mouse model of bone fragility. Further studies are recommended to validate the best dose and regimen of administration to significantly enhance bone strength.