Abstract

Aim: The aim of study was to evaluate the protective effects of Spirulina platensis on some bone element levels in rats fed with cholesterol and/or high hydrogenated vegetable oil. Forty-nine male Sprague-Dawley rats were housed.  

Method and materials: The animals were randomly divided into seven equal groups. The trial period was 60 days. Spirulina platensis in powder form was administered to experimental animals at a dose of 3g/100g diet. In addition to the basal diet, the experimental groups were fed: Trial 1 (T1), 43% hydrogenated vegetable oil; Trial 2 (T2), 10% cholesterol; Trial 3 (T3), 43% hydrogenated vegetable oil and 10% cholesterol; Trial 4 (T4), 3% Spirulina platensis; Trial 5 (T5), 43% hydrogenated vegetable oil and 3% Spirulina platensis; Trial 6 (T6), 10% cholesterol and 3% Spirulina platensis; and Trial 7 (T7), 43% hydrogenated vegetable oil and 10% cholesterol and 3% Spirulina platensis. Ca, Pi, Cr, Ni and Cu levels of tibias were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

Results: Bone calcium levels did not differ significantly between groups. Phosphorus levels were highest in the group containing 3% Spirulina platensis.  The lowest was seen in the group to which 10% cholesterol was added. In the 3% Spirulina platensis added group, it was significantly higher than that of the 10% cholesterol group and the 43% hydrogenated oil + 10% cholesterol groups. Bone chromium levels were significantly higher in the T1 group containing 43% hydrogenated oil than in the 3% Spirulina platensis + cholesterol and 3% Spirulina + cholesterol + hydrogenated oil groups. Nickel levels were significantly higher in the T5 and T6 groups than in the T2 and T3 groups. Copper was found to be significantly higher in the T5, T6 and T7 groups than in the other groups.

Conclusion: It was concluded that feeding 43% hydrogenated vegetable oil and 10% cholesterol reduced bone inorganic phosphorus levels, although it did not affect bone calcium. Spirulina platensis supplementation worked to increase bone inorganic phosphorus levels.

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