Markers of Bone Remodeling and Bone Structure at Different Life Stages in Wistar Rats

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Published: Apr 2, 2026
Keywords:
bone markers bone remodelling growth

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Estefania M. Zeni Coronel
Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo (INIGEM). Buenos Aires, Argentina
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3436-7535
Marina S. Bonanno
Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo (INIGEM). Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hernán Mascias
Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo (INIGEM). Buenos Aires, Argentina
Morena Longo
Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo (INIGEM). Buenos Aires, Argentina
Susana Zeni
Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo (INIGEM). Buenos Aires, Argentina
Mariana Seijo
Laboratorio de Osteopatías Metabólicas, Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo (INIGEM), CONICET, FFyB-UBA, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín. Buenos Aires, Argentina
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9398-0196

Abstract

Introduction: bone mass undergoes dynamic changes throughout growth. The objective was to evaluate variations in bone remodeling markers, trabecular microarchitecture, and densitometric and biomechanical properties of the femur in female Wistar rats.


Materials and methods: six age groups were studied (newborn, 21, 45, 90, 105, and 180 days; n=6/group). Serum levels of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (Pi), osteocalcin (OCN), and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) were determined. Bone structure was evaluated by histomorphometry (BV/TV), density (BMDft), and femoral bone mineral content (BMOft) by densitometry (DXA), and biomechanics (CSMI, stiffness, fracture strength, Young's modulus) by three-point bending test.


Results: the results showed that Ca was highest at 21 and 180 days, and the lowest Pi value was observed at 90 days (p<0.05). OCN decreased and CTX increased from 21 to 180 days of age. BV/TV increased significantly from birth to 45 days. DMOft and CMOft increased up to 180 days. Biomechanical properties reached their maximum values in early adulthood.


Discussion: taken together, these findings describe the physiological sequence of bone maturation, where bone turnover initially predominates, followed by a phase of structural gain and, finally, mechanical consolidation of the bone.


Conclusions: these data may serve as a reference for experimental studies evaluating interventions on bone health during growth.

Article Details

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1.
Zeni Coronel EM, Bonanno MS, Mascias H, Longo M, Zeni S, Seijo M. Markers of Bone Remodeling and Bone Structure at Different Life Stages in Wistar Rats. Actual. Osteol. [Internet]. 2026 Apr. 2 [cited 2026 Apr. 2];21(2):138-49. Available from: https://ojs.osteologia.org.ar/ojs33010/index.php/osteologia/article/view/724
Issue
Vol. 21 No. 2 (2025): Actualizaciones en Osteología
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Original Articles
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