Effects of electroacupuncture at GB points on markers of osteoporosis and bodyweight in ovariectomised rats

BACKGROUND Based on a description of acupuncture to treat a bone disease resembling osteoporosis in the ancient text of Huangdi Neijing, we aimed to assess the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at GB points in ovariectomised (OVX) rats. METHODS 40 female Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=10 each): ovariectomised model group (OVX); ovariectomised group treated with EA at GB points (OVX+GB); ovariectomised group treated with EA at non-GB points (OVX+N) in the hindlimb; and a sham surgery group (Sham). Three months after ovariectomy, rats in the OVX+GB and OVX+N groups received EA treatment for 3 months. Urine, blood and femur samples were collected from each animal for analysis. RESULTS Bodyweight (BW) in the OVX+GB group decreased after EA treatment, reaching a minimum of ∼12% below the OVX and OVX+N groups at 1 month. Concentrations of urine deoxypyridinoline, a bone resorption marker, were significantly elevated in the OVX and OVX+N groups but not the OVX+GB group. Concentrations of serum bone specific alkaline phosphatase, a bone formation marker, were significantly higher in the OVX+GB group versus the Sham and OVX groups. Bone mineral density (BMD) did not differ between the OVX, OVX+GB and OVX+N groups, but was ∼10% lower than the Sham group. However, BMD/BW in the OVX+GB group was significantly higher than in the OVX and OVX+N groups and similar to the Sham group. Histological assessment of the femur showed that EA at GB points improved the bone architecture. CONCLUSIONS EA treatment at GB points had anti-osteoporotic effects in a rat model of osteoporosis.