| Objective To observe the effect of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on bone micro-architecture in ovariectomized rats. Methods Thirty female rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group, and experimental group. The ovary and the surrounding adipose tissue were removed in rats of sham group, and the rats in remaining two groups were ovariectomized. Rats in model group and sham group received normal saline of 1ml/100g/d and rats in experimental group received ω-3 PUFA of 150 mg/kg/d. After 12 weeks, all the rats were sacrificed. Serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and estradiol were detected. The entire right femurs were collected and bone mineral density and microstructure were detected with micro-CT. Results Estradiol level was significantly different among the three groups, with the lowest level in model group (8.1±2.8 mmol/L) and the highest level in sham group (25.0±8.9 mmol/L, P<0.05). Trabecular bone mineral density (0.180±0.022 g/cm3 vs 0.135±0.017 g/cm3), BV / TV (36.422±10.893% vs 29.631±9.705 %), Tb.Th (0.138±0.044 mm vs 0.117±0.039 mm) and Tb.N (2.252±0.078 /mm vs 1.589±0.083/mm) in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the model group, but Tb.Sp (0.404±0.020 mm vs 0.599±0.032 mm) was significantly lower than that in the model group (P<0.05). Cortical bone mineral density (0.718±0.015 g/cm3 vs 0.633±0.025 g/cm3), BV / TV (48.559±7.152 % vs 33.878±8.764 %) and Cr.Th (0.483±0.037 mm vs 0.428±0.034 mm) in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the model group, but the porosity (32.162±7.891 % vs 38.859±9.847 %) was significantly lower than that in the model group (P<0.05). Conclusion ω-3 PUFA improves bone microstructure in ovariectomized rats to some extent, which is of significance for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. |