The effect of moderate alcohol intake on bone mineral density of ovariectomized rats

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a major health problem in the United States, especially for postmenopausal women. It is a condition in which many risk factors and dietary factors have been implicated, such as alcohol and estrogen deficiency. Both have been proven to reduce bone mass, but recent studies have shown that moderate alcohol may provide a beneficial effect to bone, especially bones of post-menopausal women. To determine the effect of moderate alcohol intake on post-menopausal bones, 37 twelve-week-old female rats were divided into six groups, four treatment and two control. Two of the treatment groups and one of the control groups underwent surgery to remove the ovaries in order to induce estrogen deficiency and simulate menopause. The treatment groups received intubation of a 12% ethanol solution or a calorie equivalent maltose-dextrin solution, daily for 39 days. The amount of the alcohol solution was calculated daily, in order to give the human equivalent of two glasses of wine per day. The control groups had access to rat chow and distilled water ad libitim. Ovariectomized animals had increased weight and decreased femur density and bone volume per total volume. They also had decreased total trubecular area, trabecular area and number as well as increased trabecular separation. Significant differences were found between the ovariectomized and non-ovariectomized animals in the parameters under discussion, but there were no differences between diet groups. In conclusion, no beneficial effects were found after the daily alcohol treatments in the bone mineral density of the ovariectomized or non-ovariectomized animals.