Original Article · Open access
Potential preventive effects of angiotensin-(1-7) on bone matrix quality in diabetic rats through modulation of the organic matrix
Abstract
Objectives: This experimental study aims to investigate the effects of angiotensin (1-7) (Ang-[1-7]) on the microstructural, biomechanical, and biophysicochemical properties of bone tissue in diabetic rats.
Materials and methods: Forty-eight male Wistar rats, aged three months and weighing between 280 and 330 g, were used in this study. Four groups, each containing 12 rats, were established: Control, diabetes mellitus (DM), DM-Ang-(1-7), and Ang-(1-7). The samples underwent analysis through micro-computed tomography (CT), Raman spectroscopy, and three-point bending biomechanical test.
Results: Diabetes significantly impaired bone quality, with reduced cortical thickness, maximum load, and flexural strength (p<0.05). The Ang-(1-7) treatment improved flexural strength (p<0.05), but did not fully restore mechanical function. Micro-CT showed decreased bone volume and trabecular thickness in both diabetic groups (p<0.05), with no significant recovery by Ang-(1-7). Raman spectroscopy revealed lower mineral-to-matrix ratio and disrupted collagen quality in diabetic bone (p<0.05), while Ang-(1-7) partially restored collagen-related parameters.
Conclusion: These findings highlight that Ang-(1-7) has minimal impact on bone minerals in DM rats. However, it may have a potential preventive effect on the triple-helix structural impairment within the bone organic matrix in this model.
Declarations
Author Contributions
Conceptualization, methodology: U.D., M.U.; Writing-review and editing: U.D., M.U., B.O.D., E.R.K, N.Y.; Visualization: U.D., E.R.K., M.U.; Formal analysis: M.O., M.U.; Resources: B.O.D.; Project administration: N.Y. All authors have contributed to the investigation. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Conflict of Interest
The authors declared no conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article.
Financial Disclosure
The authors received no financial support for the research and/or authorship of this article.
Data Sharing Statement
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.