We sought to understand how doxercalciferol, a form of vitamin D2, affects bone health in aging mice, particularly in relation to osteoporosis. Through a series of experiments, we investigated its potential benefits in preventing bone loss, a common issue as animals age.
Our findings revealed that aging mice exhibited increased urine calcium excretion, decreased bone calcium content, and a reduction in biomechanical strength. However, upon administering doxercalciferol, we observed significant effects; especially, it lowered serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels which are commonly elevated in aging.
Additionally, our analysis through specific staining techniques confirmed that doxercalciferol helped protect against bone loss and supported cartilage regeneration. We also noted that the treatment enhanced the activity of bone-building cells while inhibiting the activity of cells that break down bone.
Overall, these results suggest that doxercalciferol could be an effective treatment for aging-related osteoporosis by enhancing bone health and improving overall quality of life.