The effects of eggshell calcium (Biomin H<sup>®</sup>) and its combinations with alfacalcidol (1α‐hydroxyvitamin D3) and menaquinone‐7 (vitamin K2) on ovariectomy‐induced bone loss in a rat model of osteoporosis
Radoslav Omelka, Monika Martiniaková, Karol Švík, Lukáš Slovák, Juraj Payer, Ingrid Oppenbergerova, Veronika Kováčová, Martina Babikova, Marta Šoltésová Prnová
Abstract
Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of eggshell calcium (Biomin H ® dietary supplement) and its combinations with alfacalcidol (1α‐hydroxyvitamin D 3 ) and menaquinone‐7 (vitamin K 2 ) on ovariectomy‐induced bone loss in rats. Adult female rats ( n = 48) were divided into 6 groups of 8 individuals each: sham‐operated rats (SHAM); ovariectomized (OVX) rats untreated; OVX rats treated with Biomin H ® (BIO); OVX rats simultaneously receiving Biomin H ® , vitamin D 3 (BIO + D 3 ); OVX rats simultaneously treated with Biomin H ® , vitamin K 2 (BIO + K 2 ) and OVX rats treated with Biomin H ® , vitamin D 3 , vitamin K 2 (BIO + D 3 + K 2 ) during 8 weeks. Biochemical parameters, bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC) and femoral bone microstructure were determined. Plasma calcium and phosphate were increased in BIO + D 3 and BIO + D 3 + K 2 groups as compared to OVX. Alkaline phosphatase was elevated in OVX, BIO versus SHAM, BIO + D 3 + K2 groups. When compared to OVX group, decreased urine deoxypyridinoline was observed in all treated groups and femoral BMD, BMC were higher in BIO, BIO + D 3 , BIO + D 3 + K 2 groups. The BIO + K 2 rats had similar densitometrical values than OVX individuals. Microcomputed tomography revealed increased trabecular relative bone volume (due to an increase in trabecular number) in BIO + D 3 , BIO + D 3 + K 2 as compared to OVX. The higher relative bone volume in BIO + D 3 , BIO + D 3 + K 2 groups was also accompanied by an increase in bone surface. In the cortical bone, an enhanced periosteal bone apposition was identified in BIO, BIO + D 3 , BIO + K 2 , BIO + D 3 + K 2 groups. The rats from BIO + D 3 + K 2 group had a higher area of primary osteon's vascular canals. In BIO + D 3 , BIO + K 2 , BIO + D 3 + K 2 groups, an increased area of secondary osteons was determined in comparison with OVX. Our results indicate the beneficial effect of triple application of Biomin H ® , vitamin D 3 , vitamin K 2 , as well as simultaneous administration of Biomin H ® , vitamin D 3 on the inhibition of ovariectomy‐induced bone loss in a rat model of osteoporosis.