Abstract
Objectives
Orchidectomy (orx) of rats increases bone metabolism, the activity of osteoclasts
more than of osteoblasts which results in osteoporosis. As testosterone (T) may be
metabolized to estrogens, the effects of a 3-month treatment of orx rats with an aqueous/ethanolic
extract of black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa = CR) T, estradiol-17β (E2) on density of cortical and cancellous structures of the
proximal tibia was determined. The CR preparation was tested, because it contains
unidentified substances which appear also to be antiosteoporotic.
Methods
Bone density of the metaphysis of the tibia was measured by quantitative computer
tomography. Stability of the tibia and expression of osteoblast- and osteoclast-specific
genes in the metaphysis of the tibia were also studied.
Results
Cancellous density but not the total area of the cancellous metaphysis was significantly
reduced in control animals and this effect could in part be prevented by E2, T and
the CR extract. Cortical parameters were unaffected by T and the CR extract while
E2 reduced the total cortical area. The mechanical stability was highest in the E2-
and CR and low in orx and T-treated animals. Gene expression of osteocalcin, TGFβ1
and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase was reduced by E2 and the CR extract whereas
T treatment increased these parameters. Since orx results in increased bodyweight,
the sizes of two fat depots as well as serum leptin concentrations were also determined.
E2 and the CR extract but not T prevented the orx-induced fat accumulation largely,
resulting in reduced leptin concentrations.
Conclusions
It is concluded that the effects of E2 and T in the bone and in fat tissue are dissimilar
in that only E2 extract but not T increase bone stability and decrease fat accumulation.
The CR extract BNO 1055 had mild antiosteoporotic and lipolytic or antilipotropic
effects which may make these extracts useful to prevent osteoporosis in males.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 18, 2006
Identification
Copyright
© 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
