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Effect of Epimedium pubescen flavonoid on bone mineral density and biomechanical properties of femoral distal end and femoral diaphysis of passively smoking male rats

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Journal of Orthopaedic Science

Abstract

Background

Based on a rat model of human relatively high exposure to cigarette smoke, this study aimed to estimate whether Epimedium pubescen flavonoid (EPF) may prevent a smoke-induced decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) and weakening of the biomechanical properties of bone.

Methods

Fifty male Wistar rats were randomized into five groups: controls, passively smoking groups and passively smoking rats administered EPF at three dosage levels (75, 150 or 300 mg/kg/day) in drinking water for 4 months. A rat model of passive cigarette smoking was prepared by breeding male rats in a cigarette-smoking box for 4 months. Bone metabolic makers, BMD and biomechanical properties of the femoral distal end and femoral diaphysis were examined.

Results

Exposure to cigarette smoke decreased the BMD, affected bone turnover (inhibited bone formation and stimulated its resorption) and weakened the biomechanical properties of the femur at its distal end and diaphysis. EPF supplementation during cigarette smoke exposure prevented the decrease in BMD, accelerated bone turnover and weakened the biomechanical properties of bone.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that EPF supplementation can prevent the adverse effects of smoke exposure on BMD and biomechanical properties by inhibiting bone turnover and preventing bone resorption, and in this way it can decrease the risk of bone fractures.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (no. 30300396), the Provincial Science Foundation of Hunan (no. 09JJ3048), the Provincial Development and Reform Commission Project of Hunan (2007-896), the graduate degree thesis Innovation Foundation of Hunan Province (CX-2010B102) and National Clinical Key Department Construction Projects of China. The kind help of Prof. Hong Shen with preparing the paper is appreciated.

Conflict of interest

The authors have no conflicts of interest related to the contents of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China

    Shu-guang Gao, Hua Liu, Kang-hua Li, Mai Xu, Wei Jiang, Li-cheng Wei, Fang-jie Zhang, Jian Tian, Wen-feng Xiao, Yang Yang, Yang Song & Guang-hua Lei

  2. Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, 423000, Hunan, China

    Wen-he Liu

  3. Orthopaedics Institute of Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China

    Shu-guang Gao, Kang-hua Li & Guang-hua Lei

Authors
  1. Shu-guang Gao
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  2. Hua Liu
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  3. Kang-hua Li
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  13. Guang-hua Lei
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Guang-hua Lei.

Additional information

S. Gao and H. Liu contributed equally to this work.

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Gao, Sg., Liu, H., Li, Kh. et al. Effect of Epimedium pubescen flavonoid on bone mineral density and biomechanical properties of femoral distal end and femoral diaphysis of passively smoking male rats. J Orthop Sci 17, 281–288 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00776-012-0207-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00776-012-0207-y

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