Beneficial effects of IVIG treatment on experimental-induced osteoporosis.

Objective: Estrogen (E2) plays a significant role in postmenopausal osteoporosis, and its deficiency is related to chronic low-grade inflammation. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is composed of immunoglobulins derived from the plasma of healthy donors. Numerous anti-inflammatory pathways are responsible for IVIG's anti-inflammatory action The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of IVIG on experimental-induced osteoporosis.

Materials and methods: Forty adult female Wistar rats were included in the study. Thirty rats underwent bilateral dorsal ovariectomy. Rats were grouped as Group 1 (n = 10, ovariectomy and saline); Group 2 (n = 10, ovariectomy and E2); Group 3 (n = 10, ovariectomy and IVIG), and Control group (n = 10, no oophorectomy). Histopathological examination of bone tissue, and biochemical analysis for beta-catenin, plasma Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, IL-6, receptor activator of nuclear-κB ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels were made.

Results: The IVIG group had increased trabecular number, area, and thickness with increased bone mineral density as well as decreased trabecular separation compared with the saline group. IVIG group had lower serum RANKL and higher serum OPG levels when compared with the saline group. The bone marrow beta-catenin level was significantly higher in the control and ovariectomy + IVIG groups.

Conclusion: IVIG has beneficial effects on experimentally induced osteoporosis with a possible action on inflammation and RANKL-β-catenin pathway.