This research collection investigates the effects of dietary interventions on calcium metabolism, bone health, and associated biomarkers in a preclinical model using ovariectomized and sham-operated rats. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of specific dietary supplements, including bisphosphonates, daidzein, tempeh, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and their combinations, on calcium status and bone metabolism over a six-week intervention period.
The study adhered to rigorous ethical standards for animal research, as approved by the Lokalna Komisja Etyczna (Poznań, Poland), under registration number 21/2021. Rats were assigned to different dietary regimens designed to assess the effects of bioactive compounds and probiotics on bone health and calcium metabolism. Following the intervention, biological samples, including blood, serum, bone, and feces, were collected for comprehensive analysis.
Calcium levels in serum, bone, feces, and diets were quantified using flame atomic absorption spectrometry, with accuracy validated using certified reference materials. In addition, biomarkers of bone metabolism were assessed using ELISA kits and spectrophotometry. These included indicators of bone resorption, such as Pyridinoline, Deoxypyridinoline, and C-telopeptide of Type I Collagen, as well as markers of bone formation, including Osteocalcin, Bone Alkaline Phosphatase, and Procollagen Type I N-Terminal Propeptide.
Further analysis focused on the expression levels of calcium transporters TRPV5 and TRPV6 in intestinal tissues. This was performed using quantitative real-time PCR, with Gapdh serving as the reference gene.
