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Flaxseed combined with ultra low‐dose estrogen therapy preserves bone mass in ovariectomized rats
Author(s) -
Sacco Sandra Maria,
Jiang Jessica Ming Yi,
RezaLopez Sandra,
Ma David WL,
Thompson Lilian U,
Ward Wendy Elizabeth
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.23.1_supplement.553.14
Subject(s) - ovariectomized rat , bone mineral , medicine , endocrinology , osteoporosis , estrogen , bone remodeling , phytoestrogens , bone density , fatty acid , fatty acid metabolism , chemistry , metabolism , biochemistry
Flaxseed, rich in phytoestrogens and alpha‐linolenic (ALA) acid, that may modulate bone metabolism, is commonly consumed by postmenopausal women in combination with pharmaceuticals such as estrogen replacement therapy. We determined if a 10% FS diet modulates the effect of ultra‐low dose estrogen therapy (ULD) on bone mineral density (BMD) and biomechanical bone strength, a surrogate measure of fracture risk, using the ovariectomized rat model of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Ovariectomized rats (n=48) were randomized to: i. basal diet (BD, AIN93M); ii. BD+ULD implant; or iii. BD containing 10% FS+ ULD for 12 weeks. A sham‐operated control group was fed BD. BMD and strength properties of the lumbar vertebrae (LV), femurs and tibias were analyzed by dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry and biomechanical strength testing, respectively. Bone fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatography. Unlike ULD, FS+ULD resulted in greater (p<0.05) LV BMD and strength compared to ovariectomy alone, and higher (p<0.05) n‐3 fatty acid levels and lower n‐6 fatty acids levels in LV and tibias compared to all groups. ALA (r=0.52, p=0.03) and total n‐3 fatty acid (r=0.52, p=0.03) levels in LV were positively correlated with LV strength. In conclusion, FS enhances the effect of ULD at the lumbar spine and these benefits are associated with changes in fatty acid composition. Grant Funding Source Supported by NSERC Discovery Grant (W. Ward), NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship (S. Sacco), CONACyT Scholarship (S. Reza‐Lopez).RC