Body composition and bone mineral density in breast cancer survivors and non-cancer controls: A 12- to 15-month follow-up.

While prognosis for breast cancer in women has improved, adverse side effects of treatments may negatively affect body composition and bone mineral density (BMD). This study assessed body composition and BMD changes in breast cancer survivors (BCS) (n = 10, 57.9 ± 5.7 years) and age-matched women (non-cancer, n = 10, 56.5 ± 4.3 years) over a 12- to 15-month period via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. No differences were observed between groups at baseline except forearm BMD values were lower in BCS (BCS: 0.462 ± 0.070 g/cm2 ; Control: 0.539 ± 0.052 g/cm2 , p = .012). Body fat increased in both groups compared to baseline (BCS: 38.3-39.6 kg, p = .013; Control: 38.2-39.5 kg, p = .023) at the follow-up. Significant decreases in BMD at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, total femur and ulna were observed in both groups. Breast cancer survivors had a greater decrease in left femoral neck BMD. While BCS demonstrated lower baseline forearm BMD values and a greater decrease in left femoral neck BMD, both groups showed an increase in body fat and decrease in forearm BMD. These findings support the implementation of interventions to improve body composition and BMD in both BCS and women without cancer.

The effect of two doses of dried plum on bone density and bone biomarkers in osteopenic postmenopausal women: a randomized, controlled trial.

UNLABELLED: Daily consumption of 50 g of dried plum (equivalent to 5-6 dried plums) for 6 months may be as effective as 100 g of dried plum in preventing bone loss in older, osteopenic postmenopausal women. To some extent, these results may be attributed to the inhibition of bone resorption with the concurrent maintenance of bone formation. INTRODUCTION: The objective of our current study was to examine the possible dose-dependent effects of dried plum in preventing bone loss in older osteopenic postmenopausal women. METHODS: Forty-eight osteopenic women (65-79 years old) were randomly assigned into one of three treatment groups for 6 months: (1) 50 g of dried plum; (2) 100 g of dried plum; and (3) control. Total body, hip, and lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) were evaluated at baseline and 6 months using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Blood biomarkers including bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP-5b), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and sclerostin were measured at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), calcium, phosphorous, and vitamin D were measured at baseline and 6 months. RESULTS: Both doses of dried plum were able to prevent the loss of total body BMD compared with that of the control group (P < 0.05). TRAP-5b, a marker of bone resorption, decreased at 3 months and this was sustained at 6 months in both 50 and 100 g dried plum groups (P < 0.01 and P < 0.04, respectively). Although there were no significant changes in BAP for either of the dried plum groups, the BAP/TRAP-5b ratio was significantly (P < 0.05) greater at 6 months in both dried plum groups whereas there were no changes in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm the ability of dried plum to prevent the loss of total body BMD in older osteopenic postmenopausal women and suggest that a lower dose of dried plum (i.e., 50 g) may be as effective as 100 g of dried plum in preventing bone loss in older, osteopenic postmenopausal women. This may be due, in part, to the ability of dried plums to inhibit bone resorption. This clinical trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02325895 .

Effect of green tea and Tai Chi on bone health in postmenopausal osteopenic women: a 6-month randomized placebo-controlled trial.

UNLABELLED: Postmenopausal women with osteopenia received green tea polyphenols (GTP) supplement and/or Tai Chi exercise for 6 months. Bone turnover biomarkers, calcium metabolism, and muscle strength were measured. This study showed that GTP supplementation and Tai Chi exercise increased bone formation biomarkers and improved bone turnover rate. Tai Chi exercise increased serum parathyroid hormone. GTP supplementation, Tai Chi exercise, and the combination of the two all improved muscle strength in postmenopausal women with osteopenia. INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the effect of GTP supplementation and Tai Chi (TC) exercise on serum markers of bone turnover (bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, BAP, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, TRAP), calcium metabolism, and muscle strength in postmenopausal osteopenic women. METHODS: One hundred and seventy-one postmenopausal osteopenic women were randomly assigned to four groups: (1) placebo (500 mg starch/day), (2) GTP (500 mg GTP/day), (3) placebo + TC (placebo plus TC training at 60 min/session, three sessions/week), and (4) GTP + TC (GTP plus TC training). Overnight fasting blood and urine samples were collected at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months for biomarker analyses. Muscle strength was evaluated at baseline, 3, and 6 months. One hundred and fifty subjects completed the 6-month study. RESULTS: Significant increases in BAP level due to GTP intake (at 1 month) and TC (at 3 months) were observed. Significant increases in the change of BAP/TRAP ratio due to GTP (at 3 months) and TC (at 6 months) were also observed. Significant main effect of TC on the elevation in serum parathyroid hormone level was observed at 1 and 3 months. At 6 months, muscle strength significantly improved due to GTP, TC, and GTP + TC interventions. Neither GTP nor TC affected serum TRAP, serum and urinary calcium, and inorganic phosphate. CONCLUSION: In summary, GTP supplementation and TC exercise increased BAP and improved BAP/TRAP ratio. TC exercise increased serum parathyroid hormone. GTP supplementation, TC exercise, and the combination of the two all improved muscle strength in postmenopausal women with osteopenia.

High impact exercise is more beneficial than dietary calcium for building bone strength in the growing rat skeleton.

The benefits of impact exercise and dietary calcium on bone development are controversial. We used inbred rats under highly controlled conditions to test the independent and combined effects of impact exercise and physiological levels of calcium intakes on the growing skeleton. Forty growing F-344 female rats were fed diets containing either 100% (Ca+; 0.5% Ca) or 40% (Ca(-); 0.2% Ca) of their calcium requirements. Half of each dietary group was subjected to either 10 impacts per day from 45 cm freefall drops (Impact+), or no impact (Impact(-)). All rats received a free choice of physical activity period daily. After 8 weeks, the mechanical strength, volumetric density, geometry, and microarchitecture of their ulnae were measured. Body weight and bone length did not differ among groups. On both diets, freefall impact resulted in greater bone strength, cross-sectional moments of inertia, and endosteal and periosteal circumferences in the shaft. Only Ca+ resulted in greater shaft volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) but that did not affect shaft breaking strength. In the bone ends, both Impact+ and Ca+ positively affected density and structure of both cortical and trabecular bone but the effects of Impact+ were more pervasive. In the proximal end, Impact+ resulted in greater bone volume fraction (BV/TV) in the trabecular bone due to greater trabecular thickness, and cortical thickness was greater due to a smaller endosteal circumference. Impact+ exerted a compensatory effect on vBMD and BV/TV in Ca(-) rats at the proximal site. In Impact(-) rats only, Ca+ resulted in greater total and cortical vBMD and BV/TV in the proximal ulna. Impact+ and Ca+ exerted additive effects on cortical bone area (BA) in the proximal ulna and on total BA, periosteal circumference, and trabecular vBMD in the distal ulna. In conclusion, impact exercise was more beneficial than adequate dietary calcium to growing bones, although sufficient dietary calcium was beneficial in rats not subjected to impact exercise.

Comparison of dried plum supplementation and intermittent PTH in restoring bone in osteopenic orchidectomized rats.

UNLABELLED: Bone loss was confirmed after 90 days in 50 6-month-old male Sprague Dawley rats that were sham-operated or orchidectomized (ORX). In this study, we have shown that dried plum (DP) has potent effects on bone in terms of bone mass, microarchitecture, and strength in osteopenic male rats. Although these changes may be mediated through the suppression of bone resorption, the fact that the restoration in some of the bone structural and biomechanical parameter shares some similarities with parathyroid hormone (PTH) should not be overlooked. Further investigation is needed on a mechanistic level to clarify the influence of DP on bone metabolism. INTRODUCTION: This study was designed to investigate the extent to which DP reverses bone loss in osteopenic ORX rats and to compare its effects to PTH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty, 6-month-old male Sprague Dawley rats were sham-operated or ORX, and bone loss was confirmed after 90 days. The ORX groups were assigned to control (AIN-93M) diet, 25% DP diet, or PTH (80 microg/kg) for 90 days. RESULTS: DP induced an 11% increase in vertebral and femoral BMD compared to ORX-controls. BMD in the PTH-treated group was increased by 20.7% (vertebra) and 17.9% (femur). Vertebral trabecular bone volume (BV/TV) and number were increased by DP and trabecular separation was decreased compared to controls, which were similar to PTH. Alterations in trabecular bone of the femur were similar to those in the vertebra, but DP did not restore BV/TV to the same extent. Cortical thickness was improved by DP and further enhanced by PTH. DP tended to decrease urinary deoxypyridinoline and calcium, but did not alter alkaline phosphatase or osteocalcin. CONCLUSION: We conclude that though the degree of improvement was not equivalent to PTH with regard to all parameters, DP reverses bone loss due to ORX and the mechanisms should be further investigated.

Dried plum prevents bone loss in a male osteoporosis model via IGF-I and the RANK pathway.

Previously, dietary supplementation with dried plums, a rich source of polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has been shown to improve bone density, microstructure and biomechanics in female animal models of osteopenia. We designed this study to determine the extent to which dried plum prevents skeletal deterioration in gonadal hormone deficient male animals and to begin to understand its mechanism of action. Sixty 6-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were either sham-operated (Sham = 1 group) or orchidectomized (ORX = 4 groups) and randomly assigned to dietary treatments: standard semi-purified diet (Control) with either LD = 5%, MD = 15%, or HD = 25% (w/w) dried plum for 90 days. At the end of the treatment period, both the MD and HD dried plum completely prevented the ORX-induced decrease in whole body, femur, and lumbar vertebra bone mineral density (BMD). Biomechanical testing indicated that the MD and HD of dried plum prevented the ORX-induced decrease in ultimate load of the cortical bone as well as the compressive force and stiffness of trabecular bone within the vertebrae. Analyses of trabecular microarchitecture of the distal femur metaphysis and vertebral body revealed that HD dried plum protected against the decrease in trabecular bone volume (BV/TV) induced by ORX. In the distal femur, all doses of dried plum improved trabecular number (TbN) and separation (TbSp) compared to the ORX-control group, while MD and HD dried plum prevented the ORX-induced changes in vertebral TbN and TbSp. At the end of the 90-day treatment, no remarkable changes in serum osteocalcin or alkaline phosphatase in any of the treatment groups were observed, while serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I was increased by dried plum. The ORX-induced increase in urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD) excretion was completely prevented by all doses of dried plum coinciding with down-regulation of gene expression for receptor activator of NFkappa-B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in the bone. We conclude that dried plum prevents osteopenia in androgen deficient male rats, and these beneficial effects may be attributed in part to a decrease in osteoclastogenesis via down-regulation of RANKL and stimulation of bone formation mediated by IGF-I.

Soy affects trabecular microarchitecture and favorably alters select bone-specific gene expressions in a male rat model of osteoporosis.

We have recently reported that soy isoflavones particularly when provided in the context of soy protein are capable of preventing loss of bone mineral density due to orchidectomy in F344 rats. We hypothesize, that soy isoflavones also exert beneficial effects on bone microstructural properties, in part, by enhancing bone formation. Therefore, in the present study, we examined the dose-dependent effects of soy isoflavones on femoral bone microarchitectural properties and select bone-specific gene expressions in the same rat model. Seventy-two, 13-month old rats were either orchidectomized (ORX; 5 groups) or sham-operated (Sham; 1 group) and immediately placed on dietary treatments for 180 days. Four of the ORX groups were fed either casein- or soy protein-based diets each with one of two doses of isoflavones either 600 or 1200 mg/kg diet. Rats in the remaining ORX control and Sham groups were fed a control casein-based diet. Soy protein at the high isoflavone dose, and to a lesser extent with the lower dose, reduced the magnitude of the ORX-induced decreases in trabecular bone volume (BV/TV) and trabecular number (Th.N) and increase in trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) at the femoral neck site. These modulations of trabecular microstructural properties by isoflavones may be due to increased mRNA levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), collagen type I (COL), and osteocalcin (OC), which are associated with enhanced bone formation. These findings confirm our earlier observations that the modest bone protective effects of soy isoflavones are due to increased rate of bone formation.

Vitamin E provides protection for bone in mature hindlimb unloaded male rats.

The deleterious effects of skeletal unloading on bone mass and strength may, in part, result from increased production of oxygen-derived free radicals and proinflammatory cytokines. This study was designed to evaluate the ability of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), a free-radical scavenger with antiinflammatory properties, to protect against bone loss caused by skeletal unloading in mature male Sprague-Dawley rats. A 2 x 3 factorial design was used with either hindlimb unloading (HU) or normal loading (ambulatory; AMB), and low-dose (LD; 15 IU/kg diet), adequate-dose (AD; 75 IU/kg diet), or high-dose (HD; 500 IU/kg diet) vitamin E (DL-alpha-tocopherol acetate). To optimize the effects of vitamin E on bone, dietary treatments were initiated 9 weeks prior to unloading and continued during the 4-week unloading period, at which time animals were euthanized and blood and tissue samples were collected. Serum vitamin E was dose-dependently increased, confirming the vitamin E status of animals. The HD treatment improved oxidation parameters, as indicated by elevated serum ferric-reducing ability and a trend toward reducing tissue lipid peroxidation. Histomorphometric analysis of the distal femur revealed significant reductions in trabecular thickness (TbTh), double-labeled surface (dLS/BS), and rate of bone formation to bone volume (BFR/BV) due by HU. AMB animals on the HD diet and HU animals on the LD diet had reduced bone surface normalized to tissue volume (BS/TV) and trabecular number (TbN); however, the HD vitamin E protected against these changes in the HU animals. Our findings suggest that vitamin E supplementation provides modest bone protective effects during skeletal unloading.

Soy isoflavones may protect against orchidectomy-induced bone loss in aged male rats.

Evidence from several studies suggests that soy protein and/or its isoflavones may have beneficial effects on bone in postmenopausal women and animal models who have osteoporosis. The present study examined the dose-dependent effects of soy isoflavones in the context of soy protein or casein on the male skeleton. Thirteen-month-old male Fisher 344 rats were orchidectomized (ORX; 5 groups) or sham-operated (Sham; 1 group) and immediately placed on dietary treatments for 180 days. Diets were semi-purified and the protein source was either casein (Sham and ORX; controls), casein with two added doses of isoflavones (Iso1; 600 mg/kg diet and Iso2; 1200 mg/kg diet), soy protein with normal isoflavones content (Soy; 600 mg/kg diet), or soy protein with added isoflavones (Soy+; 1200 mg/kg diet). A 7% loss of whole body bone mineral density (BMD) was observed due to orchidectomy; however, the ORX induced BMD loss was significantly reduced to 4.3 and 4.7 % with the Soy and Soy+, respectively. Both doses of isoflavones in conjunction with casein also reduced the loss of whole body BMD, albeit not significantly different from ORX control animals. Trabecular bone histomorphometric analysis of the proximal tibia further supported the bone-sparing role of soy isoflavones as indicated by higher percent bone volume and trabecular number, and lower trabecular separation. We conclude that isoflavones exert modest beneficial effects on the male skeleton whether provided with casein or a soy protein.

Lycopene from two food sources does not affect antioxidant or cholesterol status of middle-aged adults.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies have reported associations between reduced cardiovascular disease and diets rich in tomato and/or lycopene. Intervention studies have shown that lycopene-containing foods may reduce cholesterol levels and lipid peroxidation, factors implicated in the initiation of cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to determine whether consumption of lycopene rich foods conferred cardiovascular protection to middle-aged adults as indicated by plasma lipid concentrations and measures of ex vivo antioxidants. METHODS: Ten healthy men and women consumed a low lycopene diet with no added lycopene (control treatment) or supplemented with watermelon or tomato juice each containing 20 mg lycopene. Subjects consumed each treatment for three weeks in a crossover design. Plasma, collected weekly was analyzed for total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglyceride concentrations and for the antioxidant biomarkers of malondialdehyde formation products (MDA), plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP). Data were analyzed using Proc Mixed Procedure and associations between antioxidant and lipid measures were identified by Pearson's product moment correlation analysis. RESULTS: Compared to the control diet, the lycopene-containing foods did not affect plasma lipid concentrations or antioxidant biomarkers. Women had higher total cholesterol, HDL-C and triglyceride concentrations than did the men. Total cholesterol was positively correlated to MDA and FRAP while HDL-C was positively correlated to MDA and GPX. GPX was negatively correlated to triglyceride concentration. CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of watermelon or tomato juice containing 20 mg lycopene did not affect plasma lipid concentrations or antioxidant status of healthy subjects. However, plasma cholesterol levels impacted the results of MDA and FRAP antioxidant tests.

Soy isoflavones prevent the ovarian hormone deficiency-associated rise in leukocytes in rats.

Recent reports indicate that ovariectomy (ovx) increases lymphopoiesis. Ipriflavone, a synthetic isoflavone, has been reported to reduce lymphocytes in postmenopausal women. The aim of this study was to investigate whether naturally occurring isoflavones also affect lymphopoiesis in ovarian hormone deficiency. The present study was carried out using an ovariectomized (ovx) rat model. To mimic early menopause, forty-eight 12-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats were either sham-operated (sham; 1 group) or ovx (3 groups) and were fed a standard semi-purified diet for 120 days. Thereafter, the ovx groups received one of the three doses of isoflavones: 0 (ovx), 500 (ISO500), or 1000 (ISO1000) mg/kg diet for 100 days. Ovariectomy increased total leukocyte counts significantly (p < 0.05) as a result of increased (p < 0.05) lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, and basophil differential counts. Isoflavones at 500 and 1000 mg/kg diet returned the total leukocyte counts, as well as leukocyte subpopulations, to levels comparable to that of sham-operated rats. No other hematological parameters, e.g., red blood cell counts or red cell indices, were affected by ovariectomy or isoflavones. We conclude that soy isoflavones restore normal leukocyte counts elevated in ovarian hormone deficiency.

Soy protein may alleviate osteoarthritis symptoms.

Alternative and complementary therapeutic approaches, such as the use of a wide array of herbal, nutritional, and physical manipulations, are becoming popular for relieving symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA). The present study evaluated the efficacy of soy protein (SP) supplementation in relieving the pain and discomfort associated with OA. One hundred and thirty-five free-living individuals (64 men and 71 women) with diagnosed OA or with self-reported chronic knee joint pain not attributed to injury or rheumatoid arthritis were recruited for this double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel design study. Study participants were assigned randomly to consume 40 g of either supplemental SP or milk-based protein (MP) daily for 3 months. Pain, knee range of motion, and overall physical activity were evaluated prior to the start of treatment and monthly thereafter. Serum levels of glycoprotein 39 (YKL-40), a marker of cartilage degradation, and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), a growth factor associated with cartilage synthesis, were assessed at baseline and at the end of the study. Overall, SP improved OA-associated symptoms such as range of motion and several factors associated with pain and quality of life in comparison to MP. However, these beneficial effects were mainly due to the effect of SP in men rather than women. Biochemical markers of cartilage metabolism further support the efficacy of SP in men as indicated by a significant increase in serum level of IGF-I and a significant decrease in serum level of YKL-40 compared to MP. This study is the first to provide evidence of possible beneficial effects of SP in the management of OA. Examining and verifying the long-term effects of SP on improving symptoms of OA, particularly in men, is warranted.

Soy protein: its effects on intestinal calcium transport, serum vitamin D, and insulin-like growth factor-I in vvariectomized rats.

Recent reports indicate that soy protein and its isoflavones exert beneficial effects on bone in ovarian hormone deficiency. These positive effects, in part, may be due to improved intestinal calcium (Ca) absorption. We examined the role of soy protein or its isoflavones on intestinal Ca transport using ovariectomized rats. Rats were fed either a casein- or a soy protein-based diet with normal or depleted isoflavone levels. After 35 days of treatment, rats were exsanguinated and isolated cells from all intestinal segments were used to measure in vitro Ca transport. Ovariectomy significantly decreased the rates of Ca transport in duodenal and colonic cells, which were prevented by soy protein with normal isoflavone content. This enhanced Ca transport by isoflavones present in soy protein appeared to be independent of circulating insulin-like growth factor-I, 25(OH)vitamin D, or l,25(OH)2vitamin D as these variables were unaffected by dietary treatments. The findings of this study imply that soy isoflavones may promote Ca absorption in a manner analogous to that of estrogen but without exerting uterotrophic effect. Further studies are needed to explore the mechanism(s) by which soy protein or its isoflavones promote intestinal Ca absorption in ovarian hormone deficiency.

The role of phytoestrogens in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in ovarian hormone deficiency.

Ovarian hormone deficiency is a major risk factor for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is perhaps the most effective treatment, as it has been demonstrated to both reduce the rate of bone loss and risk of fracture, including hip fracture. However, not all women who may benefit from HRT are willing to initiate this treatment due to fear of cancer and contraindications. Other therapeutic agents currently available are also associated with certain adverse effects. As a result, postmenopausal women are more inclined to use natural remedies to alleviate postmenopausal symptoms and help reduce their risk for chronic diseases such as osteoporosis. Recent reports support the notion that certain bioactive constituents, e.g., phytoestrogens, in plants play a role in maintaining or improving skeletal health. The main consumable plant sources of phytoestrogens include isoflavones and lignans found mainly in soybeans and flaxseed, respectively. Although this paper primarily focuses on the effects of soy protein or its isoflavones on bone, additional statements regarding the role of flaxseed and dried plums, a rich source of polyphenols, with respect to bone will be made.

Ethanol-extracted soy protein isolate does not modulate serum cholesterol in golden Syrian hamsters: a model of postmenopausal hypercholesterolemia.

Soy protein consumption has been linked to reduction in hypercholesterolemia, a risk for coronary heart disease. However, to what extent soy protein itself or its non-nutritive components, e.g., isoflavones and saponins, exert this cholesterol-lowering effect requires further investigation. To evaluate the effect of the protein component alone on lipid variables, ethanol-extracted, isoflavone-depleted soy protein isolate (SPe) was studied in ovarian hormone-deficient hamsters. Forty-eight 6-month-old female Golden Syrian hamsters were either sham-operated or ovariectomized and fed casein-based or SPe-based diets for 70 d. Ovariectomy, but not protein source, significantly (P < 0.05) increased serum phospholipids and total, non-high density lipoprotein, free and esterified cholesterol concentrations. Serum HDL cholesterol concentrations were not altered with either treatment. No significant differences were observed in liver total lipids or liver total cholesterol among the groups. Soy protein isolate, however, lowered serum triglyceride concentrations in both sham-operated and ovariectomized hamsters. These findings confirm the ovariectomized hamster as a model of postmenopausal hypercholesterolemia. The results are consistent with earlier observations that isoflavones or other nonprotein components, perhaps in combination with soy protein, play an important role in exerting this hypocholesterolemic effect. Further studies are needed to investigate whether isolated nonprotein components of soy would be able to prevent the ovarian hormone deficiency-associated rise in serum cholesterol regardless of dietary protein source.

Ipriflavone, a synthetic phytoestrogen, enhances intestinal calcium transport in vitro.

Ipriflavone (IP), a synthetic isoflavone, prevents bone loss associated with ovarian hormone deficiency in women and animal models. This protective effect of IP may be partly due to its ability to enhance calcium absorption. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of IP and 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) on in vitro intestinal calcium transport in an ovariectomized rat model using E(2) as a positive control. Forty-eight 90-day-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: one sham-operated (sham) and three ovariectomized groups. The ovx groups were either control (ovx), supplemented with IP (100 mg/kg body weight daily) via gavaging (ovx+IP), or injected with E(2) (10 microg/kg body weight) (ovx+E(2)). Animals were fed diets containing 0.4% calcium, 0.3% phosphorus, and 0.195 nmol vitamin D(3)/g for 35 days from the date of surgery. Animals were exsanguinated, and isolated cells from the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and colon were used to measure in vitro calcium uptake. Calcium uptake by duodenal cells was significantly greater in the IP and E(2)-treated animals compared with the ovx control group. In addition, calcium uptake by the ileal and colonic cells of the E(2)-treated animals was significantly greater compared with all the other groups. The results confirm our earlier findings implicating a role for estrogen in duodenal calcium uptake. The findings also indicate that IP, although less potent than estrogen, significantly enhances calcium uptake in the duodenum, the active site of calcium absorption.

Prune suppresses ovariectomy-induced hypercholesterolemia in rats.

Elevated cholesterol among women who have experienced natural or surgical menopause has been linked to ovarian hormone deficiency. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of prune, a good source of dietary fiber and phytochemicals, on lowering cholesterol in an ovariectomized (ovx) rat model. Forty-eight 90-day-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups: sham-operated (sham) + control diet, ovx + control diet, ovx + low-dose (LD; 5%) prune, and ovx + high-dose (HD; 25%) prune. After 45 days of treatment, rats were euthanized and tissues were collected for analyses. Ovariectomy elevated serum total cholesterol by 22% compared with sham, and HD prune diet prevented this increase without affecting high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. Animals fed the HD prune diet had 13% lower liver total lipids compared with ovx animals. The findings of this study showed that prune exhibits hypocholesterolemic properties in ovarian hormone deficiency. Dose-response studies should be conducted to establish the effectiveness of prune in prevention of hypercholesterolemia in postmenopausal women who are not on estrogen replacement therapy and seek dietary alternatives. Mechanistic studies also are needed to establish its mode of action.

The synthetic phytoestrogen, ipriflavone, and estrogen prevent bone loss by different mechanisms.

Ipriflavone (IP), a synthetic isoflavone has been reported to prevent bone loss in both postmenopausal women and ovariectomized (ovx) rats. The purpose of this study was to compare and contrast some of the bone protective mechanisms of IP to those of 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) in ovarian hormone deficiency. Forty-eight 95-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to four groups: sham, ovx, ovx+IP, and ovx+E(2). The doses of IP and E(2) were 100 mg and 10 microg/kg body weight per day, respectively. Rats were fed a diet that contained 0.4% calcium, 0.3% phosphorus, and 0.195 nmol vitamin D(3)/g diet. After sacrifice, left femoral bone densities were measured and bone histomorphometry was performed on the proximal tibial metaphysis. Ipriflavone as well as E(2) treatment completely prevented the ovx-induced femoral bone density loss. However, in contrast to E(2), IP did not lower the ovx-induced rise in serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity or insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-3 concentrations. On histomorphometry analysis, the ovariectomy-induced increase (P < 0. 09) in bone formation rate (BFR) was significantly (P < 0.05) suppressed by E(2) treatment, whereas this higher BFR was maintained in IP-treated animals. These findings indicate that IP is effective in preventing the ovx-associated bone loss. The bone protective mechanisms of IP in ovarian hormone deficiency may be different from those of E(2) and may involve increased rates of bone formation.