Abstract
Age-related skeletal decline involves increased osteoclast-mediated resorption and a subsequent reduction in bone mineral density.
Although Pueraria lobata (kudzu) vine contains isoflavones with antiresorptive activity in estrogen-deficient models, their effects
during natural aging remain unclear. In this study, we examined whether kudzu vine ethanol extract (PVEE) mitigates metabolic
and structural bone deterioration in naturally aged male mice. Male ddY mice aged 19, 35, or 92 weeks were fed a control diet or a
PVEE-supplemented diet (20 mg isoflavones/kg BW/day) for 8 weeks. Urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD) levels were quantified by
HPLC, and femoral cortical, trabecular, and total bone densities were assessed using CT. Body weight and food intake were recorded
weekly. PVEE significantly reduced urinary DPD levels in 35- and 92-week-old mice, indicating suppression of age-related increases
in bone resorption. Bone density remained unchanged at 19 and 35 weeks; however, 92-week-old controls exhibited marked losses
in cortical, trabecular, and total bone densities. PVEE supplementation preserved all bone density parameters in 92-week-old mice,
revealing a sequential pattern of early metabolic dysregulation, followed by structural decline. PVEE suppresses excessive bone
resorption and preserves femoral bone density in naturally aged male mice, suggesting its potential as a dietary strategy for mitigating
age-related skeletal deterioration.
