The Hyperglycemia and Hyperketonemia Impaired Bone Microstructures: A Pilot Study in Rats

Area of Science:

• Bone biology
• Metabolic disorders
• Nutritional science

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a known cause of osteoporosis.
• Ketogenic diets (KD), used for epilepsy, may impair bone microstructure.
• The comparative effects of DM-induced hyperglycemia and KD-induced hyperketonemia on bone are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare the distinct effects of hyperglycemia (from DM) and hyperketonemia (from KD) on bone in a rat model.

Main Methods:

• Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into sham, DM (streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia), and KD (1:3 carbohydrate-to-fat ratio) groups.
• Evaluated body weight, blood glucose, blood ketone bodies, bone turnover markers, bone length, microstructures, biomechanics, and histomorphology over 12 weeks.

Main Results:

• DM group showed significant body weight loss and shortened long bones; KD group showed increased adipose tissue.
• Both DM and KD groups exhibited deteriorated cancellous bone microstructures (decreased volume, disturbed trabeculae) and reduced osteoblast activity with increased osteoclast activity.
• Cortical bone thickness and strength were more significantly reduced in the DM group compared to the KD and sham groups.

Conclusions:

• Both hyperglycemia and hyperketonemia exert detrimental effects on bone health.
• Hyperglycemia appears to have a more pronounced negative impact on cortical bone strength than hyperketonemia.
• Clinical attention to bone status in patients with hyperglycemia and hyperketonemia is warranted.