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Dietary ethanol does not accelerate bone loss in ovariectomized rats
1Department of Orthopedics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research
|January 12, 1999
Summary
High alcohol intake did not worsen bone loss in ovariectomized rats, an animal model for postmenopausal osteoporosis. This study found no additional detrimental effects of ethanol on skeletal health in these models.
Area of Science:
- Bone biology
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional science
Background:
- Alcohol abuse is linked to compromised skeletal health.
- Postmenopausal women face increased risk of low bone mass and osteoporotic fractures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if high dietary ethanol concentrations exacerbate bone loss in ovariectomized rats, a model for human postmenopause.
Main Methods:
- Ovariectomized or sham-operated Sprague-Dawley rats were fed diets with 0%, 13%, or 35% ethanol for 2 months.
- Fluorochromes were used to label bone surfaces, and tibiae were analyzed for structural changes and bone turnover.
- Serum calcium, cholesterol, and creatinine were measured to assess metabolic and liver function.
Main Results:
- High ethanol intake (35%) increased tibial cortical medullary area and endocortical perimeter but did not affect cortical area or periosteal perimeter.
- Ovariectomy significantly increased bone turnover and caused cancellous bone loss.
- Alcohol consumption did not produce additional detrimental effects on bone loss or tibial architecture.
Conclusions:
- Chronic high-concentration alcohol ingestion does not accentuate bone loss in adult female rats with ovarian hormone deficiency.
- The findings suggest that alcohol's detrimental effects on bone may not be exacerbated by the hormonal changes associated with menopause in this animal model.