Irisin Has a Protective Role against Osteoporosis in Ovariectomized Rats

The reduction in estrogen levels results in a decrease in bone density at menopause. Irisin is a myokine that modulates the benefits of exercise, which may include bone health. This study was planned to examine irisin's impact in preventing osteoporosis after ovariectomy. 4 groups of female albino rats (10 rats/group): control, sham-operated, ovariectomized (OVX-control), and OVX-irisin-treated. Serum levels of bone markers [osteocalcin (OC), bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), calcium (Ca⁺⁺), phosphorus (P)], glucose, and insulin were being measured. Body mass index, Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), dry and ash femur weight, and bone contents of Ca⁺⁺ and P were investigated. The femur was examined histopathologically. The OVX-control group showed an increase in serum levels of OC, BALP, TRAP, calcium, phosphorus, BMI, glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR (P < 0.05) and a reduction in dry and ash weight of the femur, the concentration of calcium and phosphorus content in bone ash (P < 0.05). The OVX-irisin-treated group exhibited a decrease in serum levels of OC, BALP and TRAP, calcium, phosphorus, BMI, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR (P < 0.05), and a rise in dry and ash weight of the femur, the concentration of calcium and phosphorus in bone ash (P < 0.05). Histological examination of the distal femur diaphysis of the OVX-irisin-treated group exhibited proper bone architecture and density compared with that of the OVX-control group. It is concluded that irisin treatment in the OVX rats safeguarded the regular bone architecture and normal levels of serum bone biomarkers. Irisin may be a possible novel target in the prohibition of postmenopausal osteoporosis.