The effect of dietary n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on femur mineral density and biomarkers of bone metabolism in healthy, diabetic and dietary-restricted growing rats.
BACKGROUND
Dietary fish oil promotes bone formation in healthy states, but its effect during insulin deficiency or nutrient restriction is unclear.


METHODS
Eighty weanling male rats were randomized to receive an injection of streptozotocin to induce insulin deficiency (diabetes) or saline (control) and a diet containing soy oil or corn + fish oil for 35 days. Half of the saline-injected rats were randomized to 20% dietary restriction. Measurements were growth, biomarkers of bone metabolism and femur bone mass.


RESULTS
Density of femur was elevated in the corn + fish group and reduced in the diabetes group. Plasma osteocalcin and bone prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were reduced by the corn + fish diet. N-telopeptide, IGF-1, bone PGE2 and urinary Ca were highest and calcitriol lowest in the diabetes group.


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that the benefit of a diet high in n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid is most advantageous to long bone density in healthy states.
Green
Kathy H
KH
Department of Human Nutritional Sciences, H513 Duff Roblin Building, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Wong
Shirley C Fitzpatrick
SC
Weiler
Hope A
HA
D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects*; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D003921:Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005269:Femur / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D006128:Growth / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013311:Streptozocin
D015415:Biomarkers; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D013311:Streptozocin