Oral administration of kaempferol inhibits bone loss in rat model of ovariectomy-induced osteopenia

Abstract

Background: Postmenopausal osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures constitute an increasing problem in developing countries. Kaempferol, isolated from seeds of Cuscuta chinensis, is an active flavonoid inhibiting in vitro osteoclast activity. The aim of the presented research was an assessment of kaempferol effect on estrogen-deficiency-induced bone structure disturbances in rats.

Methods: The study was performed on 24 Wistar female rats divided into 3 groups: SHAM - rats undergoing a "sham" surgery, OVX-C - control group of animals that underwent ovariectomy, OVX-K - rats undergoing ovariectomy and receiving kaempferol for 8 weeks (from day 56 to day 112).

Results: In the OVX-K group, contrary to the OVX-C one, there was no significant decrease in femoral bone mineral density (BMD). A significant increase in Young's modulus was observed in the OVX-K group compared to the OVX-C (15.33±2.51GPa vs. 11.14±1.93GPa, p<0.05). A decreased bone turnover was detected in the OVX-K group. Tissue volume ratio (BV/TV) and trabecular bone perimeter were increased in the OVX-K group compared to the OVX-C one (0.241±0.037 vs. 0.170±0.022, p<0.05 and 15.52±2.78mm vs. 9.67±3.07mm, p<0.05, respectively).

Conclusion: Kaempferol has a beneficial influence on estrogen-deficiency-induced disturbances of bone structure in rats.

Keywords: Bone histomorphometry; Bone mechanical properties; Bone mineral density (BMD); Bone turnover; Kaempferol; Rats.