The beneficial effect of genistein on mandible bone metabolism in ovariectomized rats

Objective To detect the effect of genistein on mandible metabolism in ovariectomized rats. Methods Forty 12 week-old female SD rats were randomly assigned to four groups: ①sham operated; ②ovariectomized; ③ovariectomized and treated with estradiol; ④ovariectomized and received genistein, 45 mg/kg body weight per day. After 12 weeks, bone mineral density (BMD), serum level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), osteocalcin, IL-1β, TNF-α,IL-6 and calcitonin (CT) were evaluated. In addition, the serum estradiol and the weight of uteri were also examined to indicate the side effect of genistein to the uteri. Results Ovariectomized animals had a significant decrease in BMD, and increased serum level of ALP, ACP, IL-1β and osteocalcin compared with sham rats. After treated with genistein, BMD and the serum level of ALP, ACP, osteocalcin increased significantly, while the serum level of IL-1β and TNF-α decreased. Especially, the increase of ALP and osteocalcin was higher than that of estradiol-treated animal. Additionally, the uterus weight index and the serum estradiol in genistein-treated rats were lower significantly than those of estradiol-treated rats. Conclusions Genistein can improve the mandible bone metabolism as well as its effect on femur through the promotion of bone formation and the prevention of bone resorption with slight side effect. Genistein provides an additional viable way to therapy for osteoporosis in the jaw bones.