الفهرس 
Introduction and aim of the workOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 91 |  |  |
| | | from | 91 | | |
Abstract
Steroids (Glucocorticoids) are hormones produced in the adrenal glands, they are widely used to treat a number of medical disorders, Prolonged use of Steroids can lead to muscle wasting and bone thinning (osteoporosis).
The bisphosphonates are structural analogs of pyrophosphates with specific activity upon bone. Bisphosphonates are considered first-line therapy for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Alendronate (ALN), is the most common bisphosphonate used for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Alfacalcidol(1 alpha -hydroxy Vitamin D3) is a vit. D analogue which control the levels of calcium and phosphate in the body. It has been used as a therapeutic agent for osteoporosis treatment for more than 20 years.
This study was done to clarify the effect of alendronate on steroid induced osteoprosis in rats &the additive effect of alfacalcidol to it.
40 adult male rats were used & divided into 4 groups;
1-the 1st group was the control.
2- The 2nd group was given prednisolone, 1 mg/kg daily orally
3- The 3rd group was given prednisolone with administration of alendronate (0.2 mg/kg daily, orally).
4-The 4th group was given prednisolone + alendronate + administration of alfacalcidol(0.0375microgram/kg).
The doses were be given orally for 12 weeks, then the animals were been sacrificed by cervical dislocation, the head of tibia was taken.
For light microscope examination :the sample was decalcified by daily exchange in EDTA, it was fixed by formalin, dehydrated by passing in ascending grades of alcohols, embedded in paraffin wax, then the sections were cut by thickness of 5µ& stained with H &E stains for examination of the bone cells.
For electron microscopy examination; the samples were fixed by immersing in glutaraldehyde, they were dehydrated by the immersion in ascending degrees of acetone, after that they were coated and examined with S.E.M. for examination of the thickness of the trabeulae&the B.M. spaces.
Thereby, thefollowing findings were observed:
Rats treated with steroids only showed signs of osteoporosis;with light microscope;thetrabeculae were less in thickness and number with increase spacing between them, the bone cells became degenareted;the osteoblasts appear inactive with flat nucleus, the lacunae of osteocytes appear empty from cells.
With electron microscope;the trabeculae were less in thickness & have fractures with increase spacing between them. The collagen fibers appeared irregular and fragmented.
After treatement with alendronates the rats showed signs of improvement:
The trabeculae increased in thickness & number, the bone marrow spaces were less wide,the bone cells showed regeneration; the osteoblsts appear active with large nucleus; the osteocytes appear filling the lacunae.
With electron microscope:The trabeculae increased in thickness & number, less fractures were seen & the bone marrow spaces were less wide. The collagen fibers are more regular than the steroid group.
The addition of alfacalcidol (one alpha) to the previous drugs showed the best results contributing to the thickness of trabeculae&the bone cells appear active with large number.
With electron microscope:The trabeculae increased in thickness & number, no fractures were seen & the bone marrow spaces were less wide. The collagen fibers are more regular than the other groups.
Conclusions:
In conclusion to the previous results;
• Steroids cause osteoporosis in bone.
• Alendronates are usefull in treatment of steroid induced osteoporosis .
• The addition of alfacalcidol gives synergistic effect to it.
Recommendation:
It is recommend to addalfacalcidol to alendronate in treatment of steroid induced osteoporosis.
More researches are needed to evaluate the effect of alendronate &alfaalcidol on steroid induced osteoporosis.