Bosentan, a drug used in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension, can prevent development of osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVES

We examined the antiosteoporotic effect of bosentan (Bose) by radiographic, histopathological, and molecular methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats were divided into 4 groups of 8 rats each: one control (Sham), one osteoporosis only (OP), and two osteoporosis groups treated with Bose doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg (OP+Bose50, OP+Bose100). Six weeks later, Bose was administered for eight weeks to animals undergoing ovariectomy. The left femoral bone of the rats was evaluated in vitro after surgical removal. Bone mineral density (BMD) was analyzed by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Endothelin 1 (ET-1), ET-A, and ET-B expressions were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (real time-PCR). In addition, bone tissue was evaluated histopathologically.

RESULTS

Compared with the osteoporosıs group, Bose significantly increased BMD values at both 50 and 100 mg/kg doses. ET-1 mRNA levels were significantly higher in the OP group than in the Sham group, while ET-1 mRNA levels were significantly lower in Bose treatment groups. ET-A mRNA levels were significantly lower in the OP group than in the Sham group, while ET-A mRNA levels were significantly higher in Bose treatment groups. Histopathological results supported the molecular results.

CONCLUSION

Our study is the first to demonstrate the molecular, radiological, and histopathological effects of Bose in preventing osteoporosis in rats.