Effects Of D-003, a mixture of high-molecular weight aliphatic acids from sugarcane wax, and Omega-3 fatty acids on bones of ovariectomized rats

Abstract

D-003 is a mixture of higher fatty acids purified from sugarcane wax with antiosteoporotic effects in ovariectomized (ovx) rats. Omega-3 fatty acids (Ω-3FA) have shown bone-protective effects. This study compared the effect of D-003 and Ω-3 FA on bones of ovx rats. Rats were randomized into 4 groups: one false-operated and three ovx groups: a positive control treated orally with the vehicle, one with D-003 (50 mg/kg) and other with Ω-3FA (160 mg/kg) for 3 months. Ovariectomy decreased trabecular volume, number and thickness in the fifth vertebrae, distal femur and femur neck, and increased trabecular separation, osteoclast number and surface versus the false-operated group. D-003 and Ω-3 FA prevented all changes induced by ovariectomy, but the effects of D-003 were significantly greater than those of Ω-3FA. Concluding, D-003 (50 mg/kg) and Ω-3FA (160 mg/kg) prevented osteoporotic changes in ovx rats, but D- 003 was more effective than the Ω-3FA preparation assayed.