A multi-factorial analysis of bone morphology and fracture strength of rat femur in response to ovariectomy

BACKGROUND: Postmenopausal osteoporosis develops due to a deficiency of estrogen that causes a decrease in bone mass and changes in the macro- and micro-architectural structure of the bone, leading to the loss of mechanical strength and an increased risk of fracture. Although the assessment of bone mineral density (BMD) has been widely used as a gold standard for diagnostic screening of bone fracture risks, it accounts for only a part of the variation in bone fragility; thus, it is necessary to consider other determinants of bone strength. Therefore, we aimed to comprehensively evaluate the architectural changes of the bone that influence bone fracture strength, together with the different sensitivities of cortical and trabecular bone in response to ovariectomy (OVX). METHODS: Bone morphology parameters were separately analyzed both in cortical and in trabecular bones, at distal-metaphysis, and mid-diaphysis of OVX rat femurs. Three-point bending test was performed at mid-diaphysis of the femurs. Correlation of OVX-induced changes of morphological parameters with breaking force was analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. RESULTS: OVX resulted in a decline in the bone volume of distal-metaphysis trabecular bone, but an increase in distal-metaphysis and mid-diaphysis cortical bone volume. Tissue mineral density (TMD) remained unchanged in both the trabecular and cortical bone of the distal metaphysis but decreased in cortical bone of the mid-diaphysis. The OVX significantly increased the breaking force at mid-diaphysis of the femurs. CONCLUSIONS: OVX decreased the trabecular bone volume of the distal-metaphysis and increased the cortical bone volume of the distal-metaphysis and mid-diaphysis. Despite the reduction in TMD and increased cortical porosity, bone fracture strength increased in the mid-diaphysis after OVX. These results indicate that analyzing a single factor, i.e., BMD, is not sufficient to predict the absolute fracture risk of the bone, as OVX-induced bone response vary, depending on the bone type and location. Our results strongly support the necessity of analyzing bone micro-architecture and site specificity to clarify the true etiology of osteoporosis in a clinical setting.