Abstract
In this study,6-week-old Wistar rats, corresponding to the childhood period in humans, were used. They were divided into four groups as follows. The control group, low calcium diet (30%) group, low calcium diet with supplementary Unical® group, low calcium diet with supplementary Unical® and ipriflavone (IF) group, in order to observe the effect of calcium and IF on the enchondral ossification at the metaphysis of the tibia in rats. We obtained the results following.
1. Body weight
No significant difference was found between the experimental groups.
2. X-ray findings
Compared with the control group, the low calcium diet group showed that the trabeculae arranged sparsely. The low calcium diet with supplementary Unical® group showed more distinct surface and regular dense trabeculae than those in the low calcium diet group, but what was seen was not the same as in the control group. The low calcium diet with supplementary Unical® and IF showed similar results as with the control group.
3. Densitometry
The bone density of the corresponding trabecula was in the order of the low calcium diet with supplementary Unical® and IF group>control group>low calcium diet with supplementary Unical®group>low calcium diet group.
4. Histopathological findings
Compared with the control group, the low calcium diet group showed that the volume of hypertrophic chondrocyte increased. The calcified matrix around the chondrocyte, the primary spongy bone, and the number of ostocytes decreased, while the thickness of the trabecluae was thinner than the corresponding ones in the control group. It was found in the low calcium diet with supplementary Unical® group that there was increased hypertrophic chondrocytes and calcified matrix, and thicker trabecluae than that in the low calcium diet group. In the low calcium diet with supplementary Unical®a nd IF group, it was found that there were increased chondroclasts, active calcification of the intercellular matrix and newly formed bone from the enchondral ossification.
5. Hematological findings
No significant difference was noted in the serum electrolyte levels or the biochemical examination between the experimental groups. From the foregoing results, it was speculated that if the bone mass is fully attained in the school age period, even though bone loss is induced, the recovery of bone formation can be achieved by diet therapy with supplementary Unical® and IF.
