Bone-protective effects of melatonin in ovariectomized rats: insights from histomorphometry
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5902/2236583493537Keywords:
Melatonin, Histomorphometry, Hypoestrogenism, Menopause, Wistar ratsAbstract
Objective: To evaluate the effects of melatonin on structural and remodeling parameters in tibiae of ovariectomized (OVX) and sham-operated (SHAM) female rats. Methods: Sixty female Wistar rats underwent OVX (n=30) or SHAM surgery (n=30) at 20 weeks of age. After surgery, each group was divided into three subgroups (n=10) that received melatonin at 20 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, or placebo via oral gavage for 8 weeks, starting 12 weeks post-surgery. At 40 weeks of age tibiae were collected for histomorphometric analysis. Results: Both 20 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg doses maintained bone volume fraction (BV/TV). The 50 mg/kg dose preserved trabecular number (Tb.N), trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), and significantly decreased eroded surface (ES/BS), indicating preserved bone microarchitecture and reduced resorption. In SHAM rats, melatonin at 50 mg/kg also reduced ES/BS. No correlation was found between body weight and bone parameters. HbA1c levels were significantly lower in OVX rats treated with melatonin at both doses. No significant changes were observed in other biochemical markers or CTX levels. Conclusion: Melatonin, particularly at 50 mg/kg, significantly preserves bone microarchitecture and attenuates bone loss in OVX rats. Its limited effect in SHAM rats underscores its efficacy under hypoestrogenic conditions. These findings highlight the potential of melatonin as a therapeutic agent for menopause-related bone loss and metabolic complications, supporting further translational research.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Fatima Sandmann Afonso, Rafaela Ceron, Angela Maria Reck, Leticia Capote dos Santos, Lorena Bavia, Maritana Mela Prodocimo, Liliane Roskamp, Thais Andrade Costa Casagrande, Vicente Florentino Castaldo Andrade, Carolina Aguiar Moreira
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