Effects of natural nano-sized zeolite and Nigella Sativa powders on serum bone markers in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Background and aims: Studies have shown that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with changes in bone metabolism. In patients with T2DM, whose blood glucose is not well controlled, bone formation is altered and bone resurfacing affects the blood glucose control status of patients. Studies have shown that zeolite has beneficial effects on the structure and formation of bone, so that supplementation with clinoptilolite (a type of zeolite) reduces the concentration of phosphorus and increases the amount of calcium available. Several animal studies have shown that the use of zeolite, has beneficial effects in stimulating bone formation, also has a beneficial effect on the treatment of people with osteoporosis. Nigella sativa (NS) has traditionally been used in many countries to treat various diseases, such as diabetes. Due to diabetes related bone disorders and also documented relation between diabetes and bone marker levels, this study conducted to examine the effects of separate and concurrent use of natural nano-sized clinoptilolite (NCLN) and NS on serum bone markers in diabetic rats. Materials and methods: A total of 44 (case=36 and control=6) adult male Wistar rats divided into two diabetic and non-diabetic groups. To induct diabetes, rats fed high fat diet for 1 month, and then injected intraperitoneal single dose STZ (35 mg/kg BW). Oral glucose tolerance test and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) test was conducted to confirm diabetes. Then diabetic group was divided into 4 subgroups: [1] control (n=9), [2] NS 1g/kg (n=9), [3] NCLN 2%/food (n=9), [4] NS 1g/kg + NCLN 2%/food (n=9). After 7 weeks serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin levels (both sensitive biochemical markers of bone formation) blood vitamin D level, calcium and phosphor concentration, pathormon (PTH), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) level were determined using an ELISA kit.