Effect of sodium fluoride on bone turnover and bone loss of vertebrae and tibia in ovariectomized rats

Objective To investigate the effect of sodium fluoride on bone turnover and bone loss of vertebra and tibia of ovariectomized rats. Methods 34 female Wistar rats, 16 weeks old, were divided into 3 groups: sham ovariectomy (CON), bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) and both OVX and NaF treatment groups (OVX+NaF, 1.0 mg/kg BW). All of the rats were sacrificed 12 weeks after the treatment. Serum was collected for the analysis of estradiol, calcium, phosphorum and alkaline phosphotase. Temur was used for the analysis of calcium content. Tibiae and the first lumbar vertebral bodies were decalcified for histomorphometry. Results After treatment with NaF, bone resorption was not inhibited, but bone formation was significantly increased. The trabecular bone volume of vertebrae (18.73%±3.04%) and tibiae (14.30%±5.87%) was significantly increased in comparing with of OVX rats (15.07%±2.45% and 8.81%±2.60%, P 0.05), but it was markedly lower than that of CON rats (22.44%±1.82% and 24.87%±4.02%, P 0.05 and P 0.01). Conclusions NaF could not decrease bone turnover and it, has only a partial protective effect against bone loss of either vertebra or tibia.