Olive Oil effectively mitigates ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Osteoporosis, a reduction in bone mineral density, represents the most common metabolic bone disease. Postmenopausal women are particularly susceptible to osteoporosis when their production of estrogen declines. For these women, fracture is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. This study was conducted to evaluate the protective effects of olive oil supplementation against osteoporosis in ovariectomized (OVX) rats.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We studied adult female Wistar rats aged 12-14 months, divided into three groups: sham-operated control (SHAM), ovariectomized (OVX), and ovariectomized rats supplemented with extravirgin olive oil (Olive-OVX) orally for 12 weeks; 4 weeks before ovariectomy and 8 weeks after. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected. Plasma levels of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitrates were assayed. Specimens from both the tibia and the liver were processed for light microscopic examination. Histomorphometric analysis of the tibia was also performed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The OVX-rats showed a significant decrease in plasma calcium levels, and a significant increase in plasma ALP, MDA, and nitrates levels. These changes were attenuated by olive oil supplementation in the Olive-OVX rats. Light microscopic examination of the tibia of the OVX rats revealed a significant decrease in the cortical bone thickness (CBT) and the trabecular bone thickness (TBT). In addition, there was a significant increase in the osteoclast number denoting bone resorption. In the Olive-OVX rats these parameters were markedly improved as compared to the OVX group. Examination of the liver specimens revealed mononuclear cellular infiltration in the portal areas in the OVX-rats which was not detected in the Olive-OVX rats.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Olive oil effectively mitigated ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats, and is a promising candidate for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.</p

Enhanced Platelet Aggregation, Hyperinsulinemia and Low Testosterone Level in Monosodium Glutamate Obese Rats

Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of obesity induced by high fat diet and monosodium glutamate (MSG) on platelet aggregation, hematologic parameters, plasma insulin and testosterone in adult male rats. Male rats were distributed into 3 groups: Control group, receiving control diet. High fat diet (HFD) -induced obesity group, receiving high fat diet. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) -treated group, receiving control diet and MSG in a dose of 150 mg/Kg b.w. daily by gavage. The HFD and MSG-obese rats showed increased values of final body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI) and Lee index as well as the percentage gain of these parameters compared with their matching controls. Erythrocyte count, hemoglobin content, the total and differential leukocyte count, the platelet count and the platelet indices (mean platelet volume, and platelet distribution width) were not significantly changed in the different studied groups compared to their matched control group. However, ADP-induced platelet aggregation was significantly increased in the MSG-obese rats as compared to either control rats or HFD-obese rats. Radioimmunoassay measurement revealed significant increase in plasma insulin level in MSG-obese group compared to their matched control group. In contrast, plasma testosterone level was significantly decreased in MSG-obese group compared to their matched control and HFD-obese groups. A significant positive correlation was displayed between BMI and ADP-induced platelet aggregation in the studied rats. Moreover, a positive correlation was observed between plasma insulin level and ADP-induced platelet aggregation in MSGobese rats. Ingestion of MSG in adult male rats produced platelet hyperaggregation, hyperinsulinemia, hypoandrogenemia and hence could be responsible for the initiation of atherothrombosis. These findings raise a concern about the safety of MSG use