Short-range UV-LED irradiation in postmenopausal osteoporosis using ovariectomized mice

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is crucial condition that reduces the QOL of affected patients just like aged type osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of short-range UV-LED irradiation in postmenopausal osteoporosis using ovariectomized mice. Preliminary experiments identified the time of onset of osteoporosis after ovariectomy (8 weeks) in our model. We have set up a total of 4 groups (n = 8/group); vitamin D-repletion with UV irradiation (Vit.D+UV+), vitamin D-repletion without UV irradiation (Vit.D+UV-), vitamin D-deficiency with UV irradiation (Vit.D-UV+), vitamin D-deficiency without UV irradiation (Vit.D-UV-), and. From 8 weeks after ovariectomy, UV was irradiated for 24 weeks. At the time of 16 and 24 weeks' irradiation, serum Vit.D levels, various markers of bone metabolism, bone mineral density, and bone strength were evaluated, and histological analyses were performed. In addition, muscle strength was analyzed. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25 (OH) D] levels at 40 and 48 weeks of age were increased in the Vit.D-UV+ group compared to the Vit.D-UV-group. Cortical thickness evaluated with micro-CT and strength of bone were significantly higher in Vit.D-UV+ group than those in Vit.D-UV- group. There was no difference in muscle strength between Vit.D-UV+ group and Vit.D-UV- group. No obvious adverse effects were observed in UV-irradiated mice including skin findings. Short-range UV irradiation may ameliorate postmenopausal osteoporosis associated with a state of vitamin D deficiency.