Dietary arachidonic acid suppresses bone turnover in contrast to low dosage exogenous prostaglandin E(2) that elevates bone formation in the piglet

Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2003 Jun;68(6):407-13. doi: 10.1016/s0952-3278(03)00065-6.

Abstract

This study was designed to compare the effects of dietary arachidonic acid (AA) versus prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) on bone cell metabolism and bone mass. Twenty-eight piglets from 7 litters were randomized to 1 of 4 treatments for 15 days: fatty acid supplemented formula (FA: 0.8% of total fatty acids as AA and 0.1% of total fatty acids as DHA)+PGE(2) injections (0.1mg/kg/day), FA+saline injections, standard formula (STD: n-6:n-3 of 8:1) + PGE(2) injections or STD+saline injections. PGE(2) resulted in elevated osteoblast activity as indicated by plasma osteocalcin and also reduced urinary calcium excretion. Dietary FA resulted in reduced bone resorption as indicated by urinary N-telopeptide and reduced bone PGE(2). Both PGE(2) and FA treatments independently lead to elevated femur mineral content, but the combined treatment caused a reduction. Thus the mechanisms by which PGE(2) and FA lead to enhanced bone mass are distinct.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arachidonic Acid / pharmacology*
  • Bone and Bones / drug effects*
  • Bone and Bones / metabolism*
  • Diet
  • Dietary Fats / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Male
  • Osteogenesis / drug effects*
  • Prostaglandins E / pharmacology*
  • Swine

Substances

  • Dietary Fats
  • Prostaglandins E
  • Arachidonic Acid