[Therapeutic effects and mechanisms of androgen and simvastatin on osteoporosis in castrated rats].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To study the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of androgen and simvastatin on osteoporosis in castrated rats. METHODS: Fifty 12-month-old male SD rats were divided into five groups randomly castrated group (A), sham operated group (B), androgen group (C), simvastatin group (D), androgen+ simvastatin group (E). Each group has 10 rats. In this study, osteoporosis model was established by castration.All the groups were given testis and epididymis resection except sham operated group. The drugs were administrated on 9 weeks after operation. C, D and E group were treated by the different drugs lavage for 12 weeks. A and B group were given normal saline at the same time. Lumbar spine bone mineral densities (BMD) of rats were measured on pre-operation, before administration, 6 weeks and 12 weeks after administration.All rats were sacrificed on 12 weeks after administration. Serum osteocalcin (BGP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Ca2+ were measured. Bone histology was observed. RESULTS: After the treatment by simvastatin or androgen for 12 weeks, BMD of the group C and group D was significantly higher than that of group A (P<0.01). After the treatment by simvastatin and androgen for 6 weeks, BMD of the group E was significantly higher than that of group A, C and D (P<0.05). The level of serum BGP in group A was significantly lower than that in group B (P<0.05) and the level of serum BGP in group E was significantly higher than that in group B (P<0.05). The serum IL-6 in each treated group were significantly lower than that in group A (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The combination of simvastatin and androgen could inhibit bone absorption and promote bone formation, which could improve the osteoporosis.