Proficiencies of Zingiber officinale against spine curve and vertebral damage induced by corticosteroid therapy associated with gonadal hormone deficiency in a rat model of osteoporosis.

Abstract

This study was assessed to examine whether Zingiber officinale (ZO) can prevent spine disorder and trabecular microarchitecture disruption in osteoporotic murin model. Three groups of male rats were selected: Controls (CTRL), combined model of osteoporosis (CMO), in which rats were orchidectomized and treated with cortisol, and CMO treated with ZO (CMO + ZO). One month after the surgical procedures, the rats were sacrificed. Lumbar curve of the spine has been evaluated using the kyphotic method. The spines were submitted to histological and histomorphometric analysis and mineral (calcium and phosphorus) metabolism assessment. Compared to CTRL, the mean kyphotic angle (KA) was significantly higher in CMO rats. The spinal deconditioning associated decreased bone trabecular volume and a disrupted microarchitecture. A disorder was observed in the serum and bone levels of calcium and phosphorus in the combined severe osteopenia model. An increase in the level of TRAcP associated with an increase in osteoclast number and activity has been reported. These disturbances were reduced following the use of ZO in the CMO + ZO group. Finally, ginger might be an alternative therapeutic candidate for the treatment of severe osteopenia induced vertebral damage and spine curve disruption.