Mechanical properties, bone mineral content, and bone composition (collagen, osteocalcin, IGF-I) of the rat femur: Influence of ovariectomy and nandrolone decanoate (anabolic steroid) treatment

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Abstract
Nandrolone decanoate (ND) is an anabolic steroid with a positive effect on bone mass in osteoporotic patients. The mechanism of action, (i.e., reduction of bone resorption and/or Stimulation of bone formation), the ultimate effect on mechanical properties, and the most effective dosage are not yet clear. To address these issues, dose-related effects of the long-term effect of ND on Serum and bone biochemistry, bone mineral content, and bone mechanical properties in ovariectomized (OVX) rats (12 weeks old at the Start of the experiment) were Studied for 6 months. The results were compared with those obtained in agematched, intact, and OVX rats. OVX caused in the femur a significant increase in net periosteal bone formation and net endosteal bone resorption of bone collagen content and torsional strength, and of Serum alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) levels, whereas cortical bone density and calcium/creatinine and phosphorus/creatinine in 24-hour urine were Significantly reduced. Treatment of OVX rats with 1 mg ND/14 days resulted in a Significant increase in periosteal bone formation, femur length, cortical and trabecular bone mineral content and density, torsion stiffness and Strength, and bone IGF-I content, and a decrease in Serum osteocalcin, urinary calcium/creatinine levels, and bone collagen content compared with OVX controls. The higher ND dosage of 2.5 mg/14 days did not improve the results. ND treatment did not reverse all changes induced by OVX to the level of the intact controls. These results indicate that ND acts as an antiresorptive drug and as a bone formation Stimulating drug. Furthermore, the increased bone mass and bone mineral density is associated with improved bone Strength and stiffness and the presence of an increased amount of IGF-I. IGF-I is a growth factor considered to play a role in the maintenance of normal skeletal balance by a paracrine or autocrine mechanism.