Adipose tissue-derived stem cells in the ovariectomy-induced postmenopausal osteoporosis rat model

This study investigated the efficacy of adult adipose tissue-derived stem cells in restoring bone using an osteoporotic rat model. Thirty-six female Wistar rats (250–300 g, 12 weeks) were randomized into three equal groups: SHAM group (sham-operated), ovariectomy-induced (OVX) group and OVX with stem cell injection group (OVX with stem). Femur extraction and blood sampling were performed at 5, 6, 7 and 8 weeks. The proximal femoral metaphysis was scanned by micro-CT and evaluated for changes in various histomorphometric parameters. β-catenin expression was determined using H&E and immunohistochemistry. Bone metabolism was assessed using measurements of C-telopeptide of collagen type I (CTX), osteocalcin, and bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP). There was a trend for an increase in the bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume/trabecular bone volume (BV/TV) and trabecular number (Tb.N) in the OVX with stem group as compared with the OVX group, and decrease in the OVX with stem group as compared with SHAM group. The trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) of the OVX group were increased compared with those values in the SHAM and OVX with stem group. BALP levels were higher in the OVX group as compared with that in the other two groups and osteocalcin levels were highest in the SHAM group and slightly increased in the OVX with stem group as compared with the OVX group. This study may help us gain an understanding of the role of MSCs in the pathophysiology and treatment of osteoporosis.