OBJECTIVETo detect the effect of genistein on mandible metabolism in ovariectomized rats.

METHODSForty 12 week-old female SD rats were randomly assigned to four groups: (1) sham operated; (2) ovariectomized; (3) ovariectomized and treated with estradiol; (4) ovariectomized and received genistein, 45 mg/kg body weight per day. After 12 weeks, bone mineral density (BMD), serum level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), osteocalcin, IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and calcitonin (CT) were evaluated. In addition, the serum estradiol and the weight of uteri were also examined to indicate the side effect of genistein to the uteri.

RESULTSOvariectomized animals had a significant decrease in BMD, and increased serum level of ALP, ACP, IL-1beta and osteocalcin compared with sham rats. After treated with genistein, BMD and the serum level of ALP, ACP, osteocalcin increased significantly, while the serum level of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha decreased. Especially, the increase of ALP and osteocalcin was higher than that of estradiol-treated animal. Additionally, the uterus weight index and the serum estradiol in genistein-treated rats were lower significantly than those of estradiol-treated rats.

CONCLUSIONSGenistein can improve the mandible bone metabolism as well as its effect on femur through the promotion of bone formation and the prevention of bone resorption with slight side effect. Genistein provides an additional viable way to therapy for osteoporosis in the jaw bones.