The Creation of a Rat Model for Osteosarcopenia via Ovariectomy

Osteosarcopenia (OS), a complex degenerative disorder, is characterized by the concurrent decline in skeletal muscle mass and bone mineral density (BMD), posing an enormous health hazard for the elderly population. Despite its clinical relevance, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying OS are not fully understood, underscoring the necessity for a deeper comprehension of its etiology to facilitate effective treatment strategies. The development of a reliable animal model is pivotal in this endeavor. This study presents a refined protocol for the induction of postmenopausal osteosarcopenia in rats through bilateral ovariectomy, a method known to accelerate the onset of age-related muscle and bone loss. In this study, rats aged 12 weeks were stratified by body weight and randomly assigned to either a sham operation group or an ovariectomized (OVX) group. Tissue samples from the quadriceps and triceps muscles of the left hind limb, as well as the left femur, were systematically collected at 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-surgery. This methodical approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of ovariectomy on muscle and bone health. Histological evaluation of muscle fiber atrophy and femoral morphology was conducted using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, while bone mineral density was quantified using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The temporal progression of OS was meticulously monitored at the aforementioned intervals, providing insights into the dynamic interplay between muscle and bone degeneration. This model not only accurately reflects the clinical manifestations of OS but also serves as a robust platform for investigating novel therapeutic approaches and their underlying mechanisms.