Evaluation of the Efficacy of Zoledronic Acid and Amifostine on Radiation-induced Bone Loss in Mice

Background: This study investigated the effects of zoledronic acid (ZA) on radiation-induced bone loss in C3H/HeN mice. Materials and Methods: C3H/HeN mice were divided into sham control and three irradiated groups (3 Gy, gamma ray). The irradiated mice were treated for 12 weeks with vehicle, amifostine (intraperitoneal injection), or ZA (subcutaneous injection). Grip strength, uterus weight, and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) levels were measured. Tibiae were analyzed using micro-computed tomography. Results and Discussion: Treatment of ZA ($100{\mu}g{\cdot}kg^{-1}{\cdot}week^{-1}$) significantly preserved trabecular bone volume, trabecular thickness, trabecular number, trabecular separation, bone mineral density of proximal tibia metaphysic, and cortical bone volume, but did not alter the uterus weight of the mice. The administration of ZA for 12 weeks lowered serum ALP and TRAP levels in irradiated mice, suggesting that ZA can reduce the bone turnover rate in mice. No differences were apparent between the amifostine-treated group and the irradiation control group. Conclusion: The results indicate that ZA can prevent radiation-induced bone loss in mice.