N-acylated glucosamines for bone and joint disorders: effects of N-butyryl glucosamine on ovariectomized rat bone.

Abstract

The benefit of glucosamine (GlcN) in bone and joint disorders remains controversial. N-acetylation and other N-acylations of GlcN alter its biological properties fundamentally. We have shown previously that N-butyryl glucosamine (GlcNBu) preserved strikingly the subchondral bone structure in a destructive arthritis rat model. Here, we examine whether GlcNBu preserves bone in the ovariectomized (OVX) rat, a model for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Rats were randomized into 4 groups: group 1, sham OVX glucose (Glc) fed; group 2, sham OVX GlcNBu fed; group 3, OVX Glc fed; and group 4, OVX GlcNBu fed. A single, oral, 200-mg/kg dose of GlcNBu or Glc was administered daily for 6 months. Bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density, and biomechanical properties of the femurs and spines were determined by standardized techniques. Two-way analysis of variance with a Bonferroni post hoc test was used for statistical analysis. Ovariectomy in group 3 resulted either in significant or highly significant effects in a number of the tests. For spinal BMCs the interaction between GlcNBu and OVX was significant. For the femurs, this interaction was also seen in energy to failure, and ultimate displacement and ultimate strain tests. In general, ovariectomy was necessary to show significant preventive effects of GlcNBu on mineral content and some biomechanical properties. We conclude that GlcNBu feeding in the OVX rat preserves bone mineral and some biomechanical properties. Translationally, GlcNBu can be positioned between nutriceuticals and pharmaceuticals for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Advantages include low production costs and a favorable safety profile.

• Authors: Tassos Anastassiades, Karen Rees-Milton, Hao Xiao, Xiaojing Yang, Thomas Willett, Marc Grynpas
• Journal: Translational research : the journal of laboratory and clinical medicine (Transl Res) Vol. 162 Issue 2 Pg. 93-101 (Aug 2013) ISSN: 1878-1810 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 23680489 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2013 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Bone Density Conservation Agents
• N-butyrylglucosamine
• Glucosamine

Topics

• Absorptiometry, Photon
• Animals
• Bone Density (drug effects)
• Bone Density Conservation Agents (pharmacology)
• Bone and Bones (diagnostic imaging, drug effects, metabolism)
• Compressive Strength (drug effects)
• Disease Models, Animal
• Female
• Femur (diagnostic imaging, drug effects, metabolism)
• Glucosamine (analogs & derivatives, pharmacology)
• Osteoporosis (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Ovariectomy
• Rats
• Rats, Sprague-Dawley
• Spine (diagnostic imaging, drug effects, metabolism)
• Stress, Mechanical
• Treatment Outcome