| Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of vanadium on bone microstructure and formation in streptozotocin ( STZ) -induced diabetic rats. Methods Forty-five male Wistar rats were divided into three groups ： normal control group (n = 15) , high blood glucose group, and vanadium treatment group. Rats in high glucose and vanadium treatment groups received 45 mg/kg of STZ to establish the diabetic model. Rats in control group received normal saline. After modelling, rats in the treatment group received 0. 18 mg/kg vanadium intragastrically for 12 weeks. Body weight was examined every week. At sacrifice, the tibia and femur were subjected to micro computed tomography ( micro-CT), immunohistology, histomorphometry，mechanical testing, and bone mineral content examination. Results After the 12-week treatment, theresult showed that vanadium relieved high blood glucose status and increased body weight in diabetic rats. The average trabecular thickness, maximal loading, and bone mineral content in the vanadium - treated rats were higher than those in control rats. However, calcium level did not increase. Conclusion Vanadium decreases the blood glucose level in high-glucose rats and improves bone metabolism, trabecular bone microstructure, and bone mechanics. It provides a newmethod for the treatment of diabetic osteoporosis. |