Osteoprotective effect of soybean and sesame oils in ovariectomized rats via estrogen-like mechanism

Daily supplement of sesame oil prevents postmenopausal osteoporosis via maintaining serum estrogen and aromatase levels in rats

Estrogen deficiency is one of the main causes of postmenopausal osteoporosis in elderly women. Hormone replacement therapy has been employed to manage postmenopausal osteoporosis; however, it has raised concerns related to heart attacks and breast cancer. Sesame oil has been reported to affect sex hormone status. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of sesame oil supplement on postmenopausal osteoporosis in rats. We used female Sprague Dawley rats that underwent bilaterally ovariectomy (OVX) as an experimental postmenopausal osteoporosis animal model. These rats were orally administrated sesame oil (0.25 or 0.5 mL/kg/day) for four months as the therapeutic group. We assessed bone mineral density (BMD) and the levels of osteocalcin, procollagen-I C-terminal propeptide (PICP), collagen cross-linked N-telopeptide (NTx), estradiol, and aromatase in the sera. The daily supplementation of sesame oil significantly increased BMD, serum osteocalcin levels, and trabecular areas in the OVX-treated rats. Sesame oil also elevated serum PICP levels and decreased NTx levels in these rats. Furthermore, sesame oil effectively maintained serum estradiol and aromatase levels in the OVX-induced osteoporosis rats. In conclusion, daily supplementation of sesame oil prevents postmenopausal osteoporosis by maintaining serum estrogen and aromatase levels, while also modulating the imbalance between bone formation and resorption in osteoporosis rats.

Effects of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) and bioactive compounds (sesamin and sesamolin) on inflammation and atherosclerosis: A review

Inflammation, oxidative stress, obesity, infection, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes are the main causes of atherosclerosis, which in the long term lead to hardening of the arteries. In the current study, we reviewed recent findings of the mechanism of sesame and its active compounds of sesamin and sesamolin regulates on atherosclerosis. Sesame can decrease the lipid peroxidation and affect the enzymes, which control the balance of oxidative status in the body. Besides modulating the inflammatory cytokines, sesame regulates the main mediators of the signaling pathways in the process of inflammation, such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), nuclear factor kappa light-chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ). Sesame decreases the growth of different pathogens. It fights against obesity and helps to reduce weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and lipid count of serum and liver. In addition to lowering fasting blood sugar (FBS), it decreases the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and glucose levels and improves insulin function. With high content of linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, and total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), sesame efficiently controls the blood plasma lipids and changes the lipid profile. In the case of hypertension, it maintains the health of endothelium through multiple mechanisms and conserves the response of the arteries to vasodilation. PUFA in sesame suppresses blood clotting and fibrinogen activity. All the mentioned properties combat atherosclerosis and hardening of blood vessels, which are detailed in the present review for sesame.

Food and nutraceutical functions of sesame oil: An underutilized crop for nutritional and health benefits

Sesame is the oldest oilseed crop known to humanity, though it contributes a small share in the global vegetable oil production. Sesame oil contains nutrients, including lignans, tocopherols, phytosterols, natural antioxidants, and bioactive compounds. It provides various health benefits such as anti-lipogenic, hypo-cholesterolemic, anti-degenerative, and neural health-promoting properties. Being an under-utilized minor crop, it has not received enough research attention for its food and nutraceutical potential. The sesame crop is a potential candidate to maintain the diversity of food oils and harness its benefits for improving human health. The present review will provide detailed research on sesame oil contents, health effects, nutraceuticals, oil quality, and value addition strategies. Also, the sesame oil nutritional quality was compared with other vegetable oils, highlighting the potential health and nutrition-related benefits. The way forward for further sesame improvement through value addition traits was also discussed.

Lower Serum Irisin Levels Are Associated with Increased Osteoporosis and Oxidative Stress in Postmenopausal

Background

Irisin as an exercise-induced myokine was proposed to improve bone health. This study investigated the role of serum irisin (s-irisin) in patients with osteoporosis (OP) through correlating to most biological bone markers and oxidative stress.

Methods

A cross-sectional study recruited an eligible 175 postmenopausal women at Al-Hussien Teaching Hospital, Iraq. They were scanned by DEXA and stratified into two groups based on T-score; the first 95 patients as control group (GI) with -1 ≤ T-score and the second 80 patients as cases group (GII) with T-score ≤ -2.5. Demographic criteria were age, bone mineral density (BMD, g/cm2) and T-score. Serum irisin, total serum calcium (s-calcium), serum inorganic phosphate (s-phosphate), serum alkaline phosphatase (s-ALP), serum 25 [OH] vitamin D, the serum parathyroid hormone (s-PTH), serum Carboxy terminal collagen crosslinks (CTx), serum procollagen type I C-termidnal peptide (s-PICP), serum malondialdehyde (s-MDA) and serum superoxide dismutase (s-SOD) were collected from blood samples.

Results

Serum irisin were 31.84 ± 2.65 vs. 20.88 ± 2.71 ng/mL for control and trial groups, respectively. Lower levels of BMD, T-score, 25 [OH] vitamin D, and s-irisin along with a higher serum levels of PTH, CTx, PICP, MDA and SOD were observed in patients with osteoporosis. All parameters were statistically meaningful upon correlation (p< 0.0001), except age and s-calcium (p= 0.0088 and p= 0.187, respectively).

Conclusion

The results showed that, a significantly lower serum irisin levels among osteoporosis women, was intimately correlated to most bone turnover markers and it can be considered as encouraging results for clinical application in prediction and treatment of osteoporosis.

Effect of the mixture of mulberry leaf powder and KGM flour on promoting calcium absorption and bone mineral density in vivo

BACKGROUND

In this paper, mulberry leaf powder (MLP) and konjac glucomannan (KGM) flour were used as raw materials, and animal experiments were designed to evaluate the effects of a mixture of MLP and KGM on bone density. The femoral bone microstructure of mice and pathological changes were observed by using micro-computed tomography) and haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining methods, respectively. A three-point bending test was used to determine the biomechanical properties of the femur.

RESULTS

Results indicated that the calcium content of MLP was high, reaching 16 148.5 mg kg^-1 , and the total proportion of water-soluble calcium, calcium pectinate, and calcium carbonate accounted for about 60% of the total calcium content. Serum alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity was significantly lower, and serum calcium content was significantly higher (P < 0.05), in the MLP + KGM group (KM) than in the low-calcium control group, whereas no significant difference (P > 0.05) was found for serum phosphorus content. KM had a longer femur length, a higher bone mineral density (BMD) (P > 0.05), and significantly greater femur diameter, dry weight, index and bone calcium content (P < 0.05). However, these parameters were not significantly different from those of the calcium carbonate control group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that the MLP/KGM mixture can reduce the high rate of bone turnover and the corresponding loss of bone mass caused by calcium deficiency and is thus effective in enhancing bone density. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Are Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Mediators of Bone Loss Due to Estrogen Deficiency? A Review of Current Evidence

Osteoporosis is one of the major health issues associated with menopause-related estrogen deficiency. Various reports suggest that the hormonal changes related to menopausal transition may lead to the derangement of redox homeostasis and ultimately oxidative stress. Estrogen deficiency and oxidative stress may enhance the expression of genes involved in inflammation. All these factors may contribute, in synergy, to the development of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Previous studies suggest that estrogen may act as an antioxidant to protect the bone against oxidative stress, and as an antiinflammatory agent in suppressing pro-inflammatory and pro-osteoclastic cytokines. Thus, the focus of the current review is to examine the relationship between estrogen deficiency, oxidative stress and inflammation, and the impacts of these phenomena on skeletal health in postmenopausal women.

Combined virgin coconut oil and tocotrienol-rich fraction protects against bone loss in osteoporotic rat model

Background and Aim:

Both virgin coconut oil (VCO) and tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) are rich in antioxidants and may protect the bone against bone loss induced by ovariectomy and high-fat diet. The study aimed to determine the protective effects of combined therapy of VCO and TRF on osteoporosis in ovariectomized (OVX) rat fed with high-fat diet.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty-six female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups: Sham-operated (SHAM), OVX control, OVX and given Premarin at 64.5 µg/kg (OVX+E2), OVX and given VCO at 4.29 ml/kg (OVX+V), OVX and given TRF at 30 mg/kg (OVX+T), and OVX and given a combination of VCO at 4.29 ml/kg and TRF at 30 mg/kg (OVX+VT). Following 24 weeks of treatments, blood and femora samples were taken for analyses.

Results:

There were no significant differences in serum osteocalcin levels between the groups (p>0.05), while serum C-terminal telopeptide of Type I collagen levels of the OVX+VT group were significantly lower than the other groups (p<0.05). The dynamic bone histomorphometry analysis of the femur showed that the double-labeled surface/bone surface (dLS/BS), mineral apposition rate, and bone formation rate/BS of the OVX+E2, OVX+T, and OVX+VT groups were significantly higher than the rest of the groups (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

A combination of VCO and TRF has the potential as a therapeutic agent to restore bone loss induced by ovariectomy and high-fat diet.

Effects of a standard high-fat diet with or without multiple deficiencies on bone parameters in ovariectomized mature rat

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a standard high fat diet (D12451) with or without vitamin D3, phosphorus, and calcium (i.e., high-fat diet [HFD] or high-fat deficient diet [HFDD]) on the bone parameters of ovariectomized female rats. Six-month-old of female Sprauge Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six study groups: sham operation with standard chow diet (SSCD), sham operation with a HFD (SHFD), sham operation with a HFDD (SHFDD), ovariectomized (OVX), OVX with a HFD (OVX-HFD), and OVX with a HFDD (OVX-HFDD). A bilateral ovariectomy was administered to the OVX, OVX-HFD, and OVX-HFDD rats, while the SSCD, SHFD, and SHFDD rats were only given a laparotomy. Multiple analyses concerning the glucose and insulin tolerance, structure, bone strength, bone matrix, and mineralization of the rats were conducted in order to produce a detailed characterization of the effects of a HFD and a HFDD on postmenopausal osteoporotic rats. Seven months of HFD and HFDD feeding resulted in obesity and insulin resistance in female SD rats. A standard HFD increased the bone calcium content and bone strength of OVX rats. Conversely, the serum N-mid osteocalcin (N-MID-OT) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) levels in the OVX-HFDD group were increased, accompanied by a clear decrease in the bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), bone calcium and bone strength, as well as reduced osteocalcin expression. A HFDD weakened the activity of the osteoblasts while aggravating bone loss and decreasing bone strength in ovariectomized rats, which may be due to the calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D3 deficiencies in the diet.

The Effects of Piper Guineense versus Sesamum Indicum Aqueous Extracts on Lipid Metabolism and Antioxidants in Hypercholesterolemic Rats

BACKGROUND

Piper guineense (PG) and Sesamum indicum (SI) have been shown to be rich sources of antioxidants and other health benefits; hence, we evaluated the impact of its consumption in hypercholesterolemic model on lipid metabolism.

METHODS

Forty-eight animals were divided into eight groups of six rats each. Rats were given cholesterol (40 mg/0.3ml), PG and SI extract (100 and 200 mg/kg), and Questran (0.26 g/kg) orally, five times a week for 28 days. Lipid profile, hepatic antioxidant status, biomarkers of liver toxicity, and tissue histopathology were examined. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and P<0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Cholesterol feeding caused 100% gain in weight, significantly increased AST, LPO (P=0.41 and 0.002) but significantly decreased SOD (P=0.003) compared to control. CHPG(1)/(2) and CHSI(1)/(2) caused a significant decrease (P=0.01, 0.005, 0.003, and 0.023) in cholesterol-induced body-weight gain and decreased serum total cholesterol by 20-30% compared to untreated-hypercholesterolemic rats. Triglyceride and LDL-c decreased with extract administration and specifically HDL-c increased significantly (P<0.001) by CHSI(1) compared to untreated-hypercholesterol rats. Furthermore, an increase in HDL-c was higher (P=0.04 and 0.002) by SI compared to PG at both doses.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that PG and SI exerts a hypolipidemic effect, reduces cholesterol intake induced body weight gain, and increases the body's antioxidant defense system in experimental hypercholesterolemia.

Atorvastatin, a double weapon in osteoporosis treatment: an experimental and clinical study

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of atorvastatin on the bone formation and resorption markers in ovariectomized rats (experimental study), and to study its effect on the bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal osteoporotic women (clinical study).

Materials and methods

The study involved experimental and clinical aspects. In the experimental aspect, 42 female Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Group I (n=6; sham-operated), Group II (n=6; 1 mL of carboxymethyl cellulose [CMC] was administered orally), Group III (n=6; 20 mg/kg orally of atorvastatin was administered), Group IV (n=12; untreated ovariectomized [OVX] rats and served as a model of osteoporosis [OP]) and Group V (n=12; 20 mg/kg orally of atorvastatin was administered to ovariectomized rats). After 4 weeks, serum acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, total calcium and inorganic phosphorus were assessed. Then, 3 µm thickness lumbar and femur sections were examined using a light microscope to assess cortical thickness, trabecular area, numbers of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. In the clinical aspect, 85 post-menopausal osteoporotic females with recently detected hyperlipidemia participated in the study. Atorvastatin 40 mg/day, calcium carbonate 500 mg/day and vitamin D 800 international units were given to all patients for a period of 18 months. BMD was measured at the start and at the end of the study by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).

Results

In the experiment aspect, the biomarkers of bone remodeling were notably elevated in the OVX group. Administration of atorvastatin produced a significant decrease in the level of these bone metabolic markers. Atorvastatin significantly ameliorates osteoporotic changes induced by ovariectomy. In the clinical aspect, after 18 months the DEXA showed improvement in the T-score for the three measured zones; however, these changes were statistically significant only in the femoral neck area.

Conclusion

Atorvastatin was able to decrease the rate of bone metabolism and increase osteogenic activity. It has dual mode of action; both anabolic and antiresorptive effect on bone. This lipophilic statin member may act as a double weapon drug.

Properties of macerated herbal oil

Introduction: The addition of herbs into hot sesame oil could increase the oil-pulling efficiency of sesame oil. The aim of present study was to modify the proportion of herbs and sesame oil with the addition of other ingredients including menthol, camphor, and borneol and improve the medicinal properties and the scent of the oil. Methods: Macerated herbal oil was prepared by heat extraction of five species of herbs (Zingiber cassumunar, Zingiber zerumbet, Plantago major Linn, Citrus hystrix, and Amomum biflorum) with hot sesame oil. The study was performed to evaluate the anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties of this macerated herbal oil. Results: Macerated herbal oil was evaluated for antioxidant activity using DPPH and ABTS assays. It was shown that at dilution 1:2 in DMSO, the macerated herbal oil had DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities equal to 63% and 22%, respectively. Macerated herbal oil dilution 1:8 in DMSO demonstrated ferric reducing capacity equivalent to ascorbic acid (0.208 µM) and had reducing power equivalent to butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) 7.41 µg/mL. MTT assay was performed using immortalized human mesenchymal stem cells (HMSCs) as a cell culture model. The result indicated that the cytotoxic concentration of the macerated herbal oil was ≥ 2.5 µL/mL in complete DMEM. Anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated using the nitrite assay and RT-PCR. It was found that the macerated herbal oil could inhibit nitrite accumulation in culture media. Change in the expression of COX-2, Nrf2, and NF-kB in RT-PCR confirmed the anti-inflammatory activity of the macerated herbal oil. Conclusion: It could be concluded that the macerated herbal oil could inhibit nitrite accumulation in culture media, which might be the inhibitory effect of the macerated herbal oil on COX-2 or Nrf2, the downstream modulator of the COX-2 pathway. Further intensive studies are needed for the optimization before bringing this macerated herbal oil into clinical application.

Antiosteoporotic effect of Petroselinum crispum, Ocimum basilicum and Cichorium intybus L. in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in rats

BACKGROUND

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO) is one of the serious side effects which have become the most common secondary osteoporosis. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of parsley, basil and chicory on glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in rats.

METHODS

Fifty Female rats were divided into five groups and treated for 8 weeks as follow: group 1 served as control; group (2) subcutaneously injected with 0.1 mg/kg b. wt. dexamethasone dissolved in saline; group 3 received similar dose of dexamethasone together with aqueous parsley extract in a dose of 2 g/kg b. wt.; group 4 received similar dose of dexamethasone together with 400 mg/kg b. wt. aqueous basil extract and group 5 received similar dose of dexamethasone together with 100 mg/kg b. wt. aqueous chicory extract.

RESULTS

The dexamethasone group showed a significant decrease in serum E2, Ca, P levels and significant decrease in total BMD, BMC and a significant increase in serum PTH, ALP and ACP. Bone TBARs was significantly increased while GSH, antioxidant enzymes were significantly decreased. These changes were attenuated by parsley, basil and chicory extracts in the group 3, 4 and 5 respectively.

CONCLUSION

Aqueous extracts of parsley, basil and chicory showed bone protection against glucocorticoid-induced in rats. From our results, we concluded that chicory has a potent protective effect more than parsley and basil due to containing flavonoids and inulin.

Type 1 diabetes, cardiovascular complications and sesame ( zhī má)

Diabetes is a major concern among medical practitioners, with the annual mortality rate increasing up to 26.9% in a person aged 65 years or older and 11.3% in the adult. There are many serious complications associated with diabetes, particularly cardiovascular complications due to microvascular diseases. A prerequisite to reduce the risk of microvascular and neurologic complications of type 1 diabetes is normoglycemia. Insulin therapy is the most common treatment used nowadays in type 1 diabetes. However, this method still has many disadvantages such as increased episode of severe hypoglycemia, hypoglycemia unawareness, increased weight gain, transient exacerbation of pre-existing retinopathy, etc. Using insulin pump (the insulin pump is a medical device used for continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion to manage the insulin level in the treatment of diabetes mellitus), is associated with known disadvantages including increased ketoacidosis, infection at the infusion site, and the treatment being less suitable in young children (less than 7 years of age). Therefore, alternative treatment for diabetes is still in great demand. We took the approach of traditional Chinese medicine to discuss this matter. Sesame (芝麻 Zhī Má), a herb, has been used medicinally for thousands of years in almost all the countries in the world. The beneficial effects of sesame in remediating diabetes, such as hypoglycemic effects, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic effects, improving fat metabolism, and reducing cholesterol, have been demonstrated in many studies,. However, reports on the effects of sesame in remediating cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients are limited, which necessitates further studies on the effects of sesame on cardiovascular complications.