Animal Models for Osteoporosis Investigation

Animal models remain indispensable for elucidating the pathophysiology of osteoporosis and for preclinical evaluation of novel therapeutics. Rodent techniques, including ovariectomy-induced and glucocorticoid-induced paradigms, recapitulate post-menopausal and secondary forms of bone loss. Larger mammals such as rabbits and sheep offer the advantage of Haversian remodelling, skeletal maturity at moderate ages and bone geometry analogous to humans. Assessments span dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, micro-computed tomography, histomorphometry and mechanical testing to quantify changes in bone mass, microarchitecture and strength. These models have underpinned our understanding of bone remodelling regulation by RANKL/OPG pathways, Wnt/β-catenin signalling and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. Recent advances focus on combinatorial regimens, stem cell therapies and novel biomaterials, reinforcing the translational bridge between laboratory findings and clinical interventions to prevent fractures and restore skeletal integrity globally.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent work using rodent glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis models has demonstrated that combining alendronate with plastrum testudinis extracts yields synergistic benefits for bone mass and strength. Treated animals exhibited preserved trabecular microarchitecture, enhanced mechanical properties and balanced bone turnover through modulation of cathepsin K and Runx2 expression. These findings highlight the potential of adjunctive biomolecules to enhance standard antiresorptive therapies in osteoporosis research.

Animal Models for Osteoporosis Investigation publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in animal models for osteoporosis investigation across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Ovariectomy (OVX): Surgical removal of the ovaries to induce oestrogen deficiency and mimic post-menopausal bone loss in animal models.

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP): Bone loss resulting from prolonged glucocorticoid exposure, characterised by decreased bone formation and increased resorption.

Bone mineral density (BMD): Quantitative measurement of mineral content in bone, used to assess the degree of osteopenia or osteoporosis.

Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT): High-resolution imaging technique for three-dimensional analysis of bone microarchitecture in preclinical studies.

Bone turnover markers: Biochemical indicators of bone formation or resorption, such as osteocalcin and C-terminal telopeptide, used to monitor skeletal metabolism.

References

1. Characterization of a rabbit osteoporosis model induced by ovariectomy and glucocorticoid. Acta Orthopaedica (2010).
2. Promotion effect of extracts from plastrum testudinis on alendronate against glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in rat spine. Scientific Reports (2017).
3. Glucocorticoids affect bone mineral density and bone remodelling in OVX sheep: A pilot study. Bone Reports (2018).
4. Evaluation of La(XT), a novel lanthanide compound, in an OVX rat model of osteoporosis. Bone Reports (2021).