Therapeutic role of Punica granatum (pomegranate) seed oil extract on bone turnover and resorption induced in ovariectomized rats

Context Postmenopausal osteoporosis is mostly caused by increased bone remodeling resulting from estrogen deficiency. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is used to prevent osteoporosis, but it increases the risk for breast cancer, thromboembolism, strokes, and heart attacks. Pomegranate seed oil extract (SOE) is rich in phytoestrogen and antioxidant compounds. Objectives To evaluate the therapeutic role of SOE against bone turnover, resorption and osteoporosis induced in ovariectomized rats as a postmenopausal model and comparing the results with those from Generic CycloProgynova drug (D). Design The study used western albino rats undergo bilaterally ovariectomization as a model for postmenopausal. Setting The study took part in a laboratory setting. Animals: Forty female western albino rats (age: 3-4 months) weighing 150-180 gm. Measurements Rats were divided into four groups, 10 rats each; SC-group: Sham control = untreated and unovariectomized rats; OVX-group = ovariectomized rats; (OVX-SOE) and (OVX-D) groups = OVX rats were treated with SOE and D, respectively. Bone markers (BMs) especially osteocalcin (BGP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), tartarate resistance acid phosphatase (TRAcP), bone weight, bone calcium concentration, serum electrolytes (calcium, sodium and potassium) and serum estradiol (E2) level and histopathological examination of bones were determined. Also lipid profile, uric acid, prothrombin time (INR) and liver and kidney functions were measured to evaluate the adverse effects of SOE and D. Results In OVX group the activities of ALP and TRAcP and the levels of BGP, serum calcium, sodium and body weight were significantly higher (p≤0.05) than SC-group, while bone calcium concentration, bone mass, serum E2 and potassium level as well as uterus mass were significantly lower (p≤0.05). Also histopathological results revealed that the outer cortical bone became thinner, while the cancellous bone trabeculae lost their normal architecture. Moreover in OVX group lipid profile and uric acid levels were significantly higher (p≤0.05) than SC group, but there were no significant changes (p≤0.05) in INR level, liver and kidney functions. Treatment of OVX rats with SOE or D for 12 weeks improved both the architecture of bones as shown from the histopathological results and BMs, serum electrolytes and E2 levels (p≤0.05) which approached SC-group. Moreover after treatment of OVX rats with SOE the levels of lipid profile and uric acid were improved and app