Protective Effects of Kelulut Honey on Bone Strength and Marrow Adiposity in Rats Fed with High-Carbohydrate High-Fat Diet

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Metabolic syndrome (MetS) may increase the risk of osteoporosis. This study examines the effects of Kelulut honey, previously shown to prevent MetS, on bone health in male rats fed a high-carbohydrate high-fat (HCHF) diet. <b>Methods:</b> Chemical profiling of the honey was performed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry methods. For the <i>in vivo</i> experiment, male Wistar rats were divided into three groups (n=6/group). The normal control group was fed standard chow, while the HCHF groups were given an HCHF diet for 16 weeks. During the final eight weeks, one HCHF group received Kelulut honey (1 g/kg body weight/day). Bone density, biomechanics, histomorphometry, redox markers, and expression of genes relevant to bone cell differentiation were analysed at the end of the study. <b>Results:</b> Chemical profiling of the honey revealed a unique array of bioactive compounds and oligosaccharides. HCHF diet decreased bone displacement and strain, but increased stiffness compared to controls. Bone marrow adipocyte number also increased with HCHF diet. Kelulut honey improved displacement and strain in HCHF-fed rats and reduced bone marrow adipocyte number. <i>Pparg</i> gene expression was significantly lower with HCHF diet. However, no significant differences in bone density, structural and cellular histomorphometric indices, glutathione levels, antioxidant enzyme activities and gene expression of <i>Rankl</i>, <i>Opg</i>, <i>Ocn</i>, <i>Ctsk</i> and <i>Runx2</i> were observed between groups. <b>Conclusion:</b> HCHF diet compromises bone mechanical strength and bone marrow adiposity. Kelulut honey inverses these negative skeletal changes. These findings suggest Kelulut honey's potential protective role against MetS-related bone health issues, warranting further investigation into its mechanisms.