Comparison between strontium administration and ibandronate injection effects on bone density of post-ovariectomy Wistar rat

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a disease causing high morbidity with increasing prevalence. It is one of chronic diseases caused by reduced bone mass that subsequently decreases bone strength and increases fracture risks. Pharmacologic treatments for osteoporosis include antiresorptive agent (bisphosphonate) and bone-forming agent (strontium ranelate), so further research is needed to compare these two medications. Objectives We aimed to histopathologically compare bone density in post-menopause white rats after being treated with strontium and ibandronate. Material and methods 45 ovariectomized female rats were divided into three groups. The subjects in the first group were only ovariectomized (control). The strontium group was given daily oral strontium at a dose of 625 mg/kg BW/day for 60 days. The ibandronate group was given one subcutaneous ibandronate injection at a dose of 1 μg/kg BW/day for 60 days. We measured osteoclasts, osteoblasts, trabecula area and cortical thickness. Results The animals in ibandronate and strontium groups showed a significant increase (p < 0.005) in osteoblasts and significant decrease in osteoclasts compared to the control group. The subjects in both groups had a significantly thicker cortex and a larger trabecula area than in the control group. The subjects in the strontium group had more osteoblasts and thicker cortex than in the ibandronate group. Conclusion Strontium had a double effect, increasing osteoblasts and inhibiting osteoclasts. On the other hand, ibandronate had only a strong antiresorptive effect, but a lower osteoblast effect. It could be inferred that strontium was more effective in increasing bone density as compared to ibandronate.