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Specific Effects of γ-Linolenic, Eicosapentaenoic, and Docosahexaenoic Ethyl Esters on Bone Post-ovariectomy in Rats

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Abstract

Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) are involved in the regulation of bone metabolism. Increased dietary consumption of n-3, and possibly some n-6, LCPUFAs may limit postmenopausal bone loss. The aim of this study was to determine the effects on bone of specific fatty acids within the n-3 and n-6 LCPUFA families in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Rats were OVX or sham-operated and fed either a control diet (OVX and sham) or a diet supplemented with 0.5 g/kg body weight/day of γ-linolenic (GLA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosahexaenoic (DHA) ethyl esters or a mixture of all three (MIX) for 16 weeks. Bone mineral content (BMC), area, and density and plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I, vitamin D, selected biochemical markers of bone metabolism, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were determined. The OVX-induced decrease in lumbar spine BMC was significantly attenuated by DHA but not by EPA or GLA supplementation or supplementation with a mixture of all three LCPUFAs. Endosteal circumferences of tibiae were significantly greater in DHA and EPA compared to OVX. Plasma C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen and osteocalcin concentrations were not significantly different in the DHA group compared to OVX. Femur BMC decreased by a significantly greater amount in GLA than OVX, and final plasma PTH concentrations were significantly higher in GLA compared to all other groups. In conclusion, DHA ameliorated OVX-induced bone mineral loss. GLA exacerbated post-OVX bone mineral loss, possibly as a result of PTH-induced bone catabolism.

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Acknowledgments

This study was funded by Fonterra Brands Ltd., New Zealand. R. C. P. was the recipient of a TAD scholarship from the Tertiary Education Commission, New Zealand.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Food Nutrition and Human Health, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand, 4442

    R. C. Poulsen & M. C. Kruger

  2. Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand, 4442

    E. C. Firth & C. W. Rogers

  3. Riddet Centre, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand, 4442

    P. J. Moughan

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  1. R. C. Poulsen
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Correspondence to R. C. Poulsen.

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Poulsen, R.C., Firth, E.C., Rogers, C.W. et al. Specific Effects of γ-Linolenic, Eicosapentaenoic, and Docosahexaenoic Ethyl Esters on Bone Post-ovariectomy in Rats. Calcif Tissue Int 81, 459–471 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00223-007-9080-7

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