Fig. 1: SARS-CoV-2 induces bone loss in the golden Syrian hamster model.

a Golden Syrian hamsters were either treated with SARS-CoV-2 or PBS (Mock), followed by a μCT scan and histology analysis at 4, 30, and 60 days post-infection (dpi). b The regions of interest for μCT evaluation of bone density included the distal metaphysis of the femur, proximal metaphysis of tibia, and lumbar vertebrae. c Representative μCT images showing the reduction in trabecular bone volume in the femurs of the SARS-CoV-2-infected hamsters. d Corresponding measurements of trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV), bone mineral density (BMD of TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular pattern factor (Tb.Pf), polar moment of inertia (pMOI), and specific bone surface (BS/BV). Mock: n = 11 (D4), 8 (D30), 8 (D60); Infected: n = 10 (D4), 12 (D30), 6 (D60). e Representative H&E staining images showing the cancellous bone structures in the femurs of the SARS-CoV-2-infected hamsters (n = 4, scale bars = 500 µm). Data were presented as box plots with whiskers from minima to maxima, the central line at the 50th percentile, and the ends of the box at the 25th and 75th percentiles. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01 by two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni’s multiple comparisons test.