Effects Of Hepcidin On Bone Metabolism In The Ovariectomized Rats

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of hepcidin on bone metabolism in the ovariectomized rats. In this study,ovariectomized rats were treated with hepcidin. The bone mineral density of the femur, the biomechanical properties, the serum levels of bone metabolic markers and serum iron were determined in 9 weeks. Through these measures, we want to explore the effect and related mechanisms of hepcidin on bone metabolism and provide guidance and advice for clinic prevention of post- menopausal osteoporosis.MethodTen-week female Wistar rats(30) were divided into 3 groups: one group was sham-operated(SHAM group), meanwhile the other two were bilaterally ovariectomized and then received intraperitoneal injection of hepcidin solution(HEPC group, 750μg/kg) and normal saline(OVX group) respectively. All the rats were collected blood through the jugular vein and killed in 9 weeks. The femurs of the rats were collected. The bone mineral density(BMD)of the femur, the biomechanical properties, and the serum levels of bone metabolic markers and iron were determined.ResultCompared with those in SHAM group, the BMDand the biomechanical properties were decreased in OVX group(P<0.05). The serum levels of bone morphogenetic protein-2 were lowered, while C-terminal telopeptide of type Ι collagen(CTX-Ι)reflecting bone resorption and serum iron was increased in OVX group(P<0.05); in HEPC group which was treated with hepcidin for 9 weeks, compared with those in OVX group, BMD increased by 21.7% and the biomechanical properties had been improved(P<0.05), although the serum levels of bone morphogenetic protein-2 did not change significantly(P>0.05), the serum levels of CTX-Ι decreased by 33.5% and serum iron decreased by 17.2%( P<0.05).ConclusionHepcidin could improve the bone metabolism of rat model of postmenopausal osteoporosis. This protective effect was achieved probably mainly through reducing bone resorption by improving the state of iron overload.