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Decreased bone formation and mineralization in virus-induced diabetes mellitus
Abstract:
Severe hyperglycemic and hypoinsulinemic mice were selected at 30 and 180 days after infection with the D variant of encephalomyocarditis (EMC) virus. In these animals, although the concentration of calcium and phosphate in serum was not changed, the alkaline phosphatase activity and the rate of mineralization in the proximal tibial epimetaphysis were markedly decreased in the diabetic mice for 30 and 180 days compared with those of the age-matched uninfected animals. Viral specific antigens were not found in these tissues at either earlier or later infection with the virus. It is concluded that endochondral bone formation and mineralization are greatly impaired in EMC virus-induced diabetic mice, and the decreased bone formation and mineralization are not due to the virus-induced tissue damage, but to the persistent metabolic alterations.
Insights
Encephalomyocarditis (EMC) virus infection impairs bone formation and mineralization in diabetic mice. This impairment stems from persistent metabolic changes, not direct viral tissue damage.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Endocrinology
- Bone Biology
Background:
- Encephalomyocarditis (EMC) virus infection can induce diabetes mellitus.
- Diabetic complications can affect bone metabolism.
- The impact of EMC virus-induced diabetes on bone formation is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of EMC virus-induced diabetes on endochondral bone formation and mineralization.
- To determine if viral presence in bone tissue contributes to impaired bone metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Induction of diabetes in mice using the D variant of EMC virus.
- Assessment of serum calcium, phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase activity at 30 and 180 days post-infection.
- Evaluation of the rate of mineralization in the proximal tibial epimetaphysis.
- Detection of viral specific antigens in bone tissues.
Main Results:
- Diabetic mice showed significantly decreased alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization rates in the proximal tibial epimetaphysis compared to controls.
- Serum calcium and phosphate levels remained unchanged in diabetic mice.
- Viral specific antigens were not detected in the bone tissues of infected mice.
Conclusions:
- Endochondral bone formation and mineralization are significantly impaired in EMC virus-induced diabetic mice.
- The observed bone abnormalities are attributed to persistent metabolic alterations associated with diabetes, rather than direct viral infection of bone tissue.