| Objective To compare the effect of three different diets on bone mass and bone structure in ovariectomized rats. Methods Thirty ovariectomized rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, and they were fed with base forage, fat forage, and soybean forage, respectively, for 3 months. Body weight and food consumption were recorded every week. After 3 months, serum levels of lipids, calcium, phosphorus, and estrogen were examined. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the general body, femur, and spine was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) before and after the experiment. The femur of one side was dissected and sectioned. Bone histomorphometry data were obtained. Results There were no statistical differences of food consumption, serum calcium, and serum phosphorus among the 3 groups. Rats with soybean forage were the lowest in body weight, but were the highest in estrogen level, BMD of the whole body, femur, and spine, number, thickness, and surface of the trabeculae. Rats with fat forage were the highest in body weight, levels of TG and LDL, BMD of the whole body, femur, and spine, but were the lowest in HDL level. There was no difference of the trabecular number between rats with fat forage and with base forage. The trabecular area and thickness was larger in fat rats with fat forage than those with base forage. Conclusion The food rich in soybean is a better diet than fat diet for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.. The fat diet may accelerate bone loss in females. |