Omega 3 fatty acids favour lipid and bone metabolism in orchidectomised rats

Testosterone insufficiency affects bone and lipid metabolism and has been linked with metabolic syndrome. Contrarily, omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3FAs) are widely acclaimed for their favourable effects on osseous tissue and lipid homeostasis. Therefore, we investigated the dose-graded effects of ω-3FAs on indices of bone and lipid metabolism in orchidectomised rats. Fifty rats were randomised into 5 groups, viz; Control; Orchidectomised (Orchid); Orchid + Low dose ω-3FAs (Orchid + LD ω-3FAs); Orchid + Medium dose ω-3FAs (Orchid + MD ω-3FAs); and Orchid + High dose ω-3FAs (Orchid + HD ω-3FAs). ω-3FAs were administered at a low, medium and high dose of 100, 300 & 500 mg/kg BW, p.o./day respectively throughout the 10 weeks duration of the experiment. However, the control and orchid groups were administered saline (vehicle) at 1 ml/kg BW, p.o./day. Relative to the control group, there was significant impairment of lipid and bone metabolism in the untreated orchid group. LD ω-3FAs had superior effects on osteocalcin and calcium, while MD ω-3FAs showed more prominent action on hydroxyproline; but, HD ω-3FAs proved to be better. The dominant effects of HD ω-3FAs were indicated by its significant action on triglyceride, very low, low and high density lipoprotein cholesterol, oestradiol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol/high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio. Nevertheless, the effects of ω-3FAs on parathormone, phosphorus, testosterone, tartrate resistance acid phosphatase, free fatty acids, phospholipids and total cholesterol were not dose-dependent. HD ω-3FAs have the most desirable effects on lipid and bone metabolism in orchidectomised state.