Effect of lycopene in the metabolism and gene expression of osteoblastic cells from bone marrow of ovariectomized rats

Abstract

Osteoporosis is an emerging medical and socioeconomic threat characterized by a systemic impairment of bone mass, strength and microarchitecture, which increases the propensity of fragility fractures. This disease affects mainly women after menopause; nevertheless recent investigations have shown an increase in the number of affected men. In both genders this disease is associated with hormonal disturbances, genetic susceptibility as well as inadequate nutrition. Nowadays, it should be taken into consideration several nutrients, minerals and vitamins that can influence the prevention of several diseases associated to bone metabolism. Among the carotenoids, lycopene has been connected to bone diseases impairment, being a powerful antioxidant with positive results in the prevention and reduction of osteoporosis. Thus, the aim of this investigation is to perform in vitro assays to evaluate the metabolism of osteoblastic cells from bone marrow of ovariectomized rats in the presence of lycopene. There will be used wistar female rats, which will be submitted to ovariectomy and after 60 days sacrificed for removal of both femurs. Cells will be isolated and cultivated in cell flasks with osteogenic medium. After subconfluence, cells will be seeded in cell plates of 24 wells in a concentration of 2 x 104 cells/well (n=5). After the experimental periods, the following parameters will be evaluated: cell proliferation and viability, alkaline phosphatase activity, total protein content, detection and quantification of mineralized nodules, as well as quantitative expression of genes associated to bone metabolism (i.e. ALP, OCN, RANK, RANKL and OPG). Data obtained will be analyzed by statistical softwares for significance of pd0.05, with the goal of finding statistical data which may reveal the beneficial effects of lycopene.