Bone Abstracts

Synthetic glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone (Dex) are widely used for treatment of premature infants with chronic lung disease or respiratory distress syndrome or in allergic conditions such as asthma. Adverse effect of these treatments is glucocorticoids-induced osteoporosis. On the other hand there are functional foods, for instance 2-oxoglutaric acid (2-Ox) a precursor of hydroxyproline the prevailing amino acid in bone collagen, which reduce the risk of osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to determine whether 2-Ox can prevent bone changes caused by maximal therapeutic doses of dexamethasone. 24 male and 24 female piglets, were divided in two groups: the control group (DEX; male n=12 and female n=12) piglets injected intramuscularly with Dex (1 mg/kg BW daily) and the experimental group (2-OX; male n=12 and female n=12) piglets receiving Dex at the same manner as control group and 2-Ox administered orally (0.4 g/kg BW daily). The study lasted for 35 days. At the end piglets were euthanized and left femora, humerus and two ribs (6th–7th) were isolated, weighed and measured, mechanical properties, geometry, bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), histomorphometry parameters were determined. Serum bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), osteocalcin (OC), GH, leptin, and IGF1 concentrations were determined. Piglets receiving 2-Ox had significantly heavier, denser and stronger bones in both sexes as well as the higher concentration of GH. Only some geometry parameters and leptin as well BAP concentration was higher in piglets receiving Dex alone. 2-Ox almost fully abolished the effects of maximal therapeutic dose of Dex which influenced bones, hence can be advised as a protective substance along with glucocorticoids therapies.