Research
Immunolocalization of RANKL is Increased and OPG Decreased During Dietary Magnesium Deficiency in the Rat
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* Corresponding author: Robert K Rude rrude60075@aol.com
1 University of Southern California and the Orthopaedic Hospital, 1975 Zonal Ave., GNH 6602, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9317, USA
2 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, P.O. Box 32861, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA
Nutrition & Metabolism 2005, 2:24 doi:10.1186/1743-7075-2-24
Published: 14 September 2005Abstract
Background
Epidemiological studies have linked low dietary magnesium (Mg) to low bone mineral density and osteoporosis. Mg deficiency in animal models has demonstrated a reduction in bone mass and increase in skeletal fragility. One major mechanism appears to be an increase in osteoclast number and bone resorption. The final pathway of osteoclastogenesis involves three constituents of a cytokine system: receptor activator of nuclear factor kB ligand (RANKL); its receptor, receptor activator of nuclear factor kB (RANK); and its soluble decoy receptor, osteoprotegerin (OPG). The relative presence of RANKL and OPG dictates osteoclastogenesis. The objective of this study was to assess the presence of RANKL and OPG in rats on a low Mg diet.
Methods
RANKL and OPG were assessed by immunocytochemistry staining in the tibia for up to 6 months in control rats on regular Mg intake (0.5 g/kg) and experimental rats on reduction of dietary Mg (.04%, 25% and 50% of this Nutrient Requirement).
Results
At all dietary Mg intakes, alteration in the presence of immunocytochemical staining of RANKL and OPG was observed. In general, OPG was decreased and RANKL increased, reflecting an alteration in the RANKL/OPG ratio toward increased osteoclastogenesis.
Conclusion
We have, for the first time demonstrated that a reduction in dietary Mg in the rat alters the presence of RANKL and OPG and may explain the increase in osteoclast number and decrease in bone mass in this animal model. As some of these dietary intake reductions in terms of the RDA are present in a large segment of or population, Mg deficiency may be another risk factor for osteoporosis.