The effects of eggshell calcium (Biomin H ) and its combinations with alfacalcidol (1α-hydroxyvitamin D3) and menaquinone-7 (vitamin K2) on ovariectomy-induced bone loss in a rat model of osteoporosis.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of eggshell calcium (Biomin H dietary supplement) and its combinations with alfacalcidol (1α-hydroxyvitamin D ) and menaquinone-7 (vitamin K ) on ovariectomy-induced bone loss in rats. Adult female rats (n = 48) were divided into 6 groups of 8 individuals each: sham-operated rats (SHAM); ovariectomized (OVX) rats untreated; OVX rats treated with Biomin H (BIO); OVX rats simultaneously receiving Biomin H , vitamin D (BIO + D ); OVX rats simultaneously treated with Biomin H , vitamin K (BIO + K ) and OVX rats treated with Biomin H , vitamin D , vitamin K (BIO + D  + K ) during 8 weeks. Biochemical parameters, bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC) and femoral bone microstructure were determined. Plasma calcium and phosphate were increased in BIO + D and BIO + D  + K groups as compared to OVX. Alkaline phosphatase was elevated in OVX, BIO versus SHAM, BIO + D  + K2 groups. When compared to OVX group, decreased urine deoxypyridinoline was observed in all treated groups and femoral BMD, BMC were higher in BIO, BIO + D , BIO + D  + K groups. The BIO + K rats had similar densitometrical values than OVX individuals. Microcomputed tomography revealed increased trabecular relative bone volume (due to an increase in trabecular number) in BIO + D , BIO + D + K as compared to OVX. The higher relative bone volume in BIO + D , BIO + D + K groups was also accompanied by an increase in bone surface. In the cortical bone, an enhanced periosteal bone apposition was identified in BIO, BIO + D , BIO + K , BIO + D + K groups. The rats from BIO + D + K group had a higher area of primary osteon's vascular canals. In BIO + D , BIO + K , BIO + D + K groups, an increased area of secondary osteons was determined in comparison with OVX. Our results indicate the beneficial effect of triple application of Biomin H , vitamin D , vitamin K , as well as simultaneous administration of Biomin H , vitamin D on the inhibition of ovariectomy-induced bone loss in a rat model of osteoporosis.