Impact of Ilex paraguariensis Consumption on Rats Offspring Bone Development and Tissue Properties

SANZ N ; VILLARREAL L; BUIATTI F; PLOTKIN L; BRUN LR

Vancouver

Congreso; ASBMR Annual Meeting 2023; 2023

American Society for Bone and Mineral Research

Introduction: Ilex paraguariensis is the herbal species from which Yerba Mate (YM) is derived. It is daily consumed in South American countries as infusions called ‘mate’ and ‘terere’, an alternative to tea or coffee. YM leaves contain bioactive compounds like polyphenols and xanthines (mainly caffeine). Previous studies have shown a negative impact of high caffeine consumption on BMD and increased risk of fractures in diets with low calcium intake. On the other hand, we have also observed positive effects of YM compounds on bone cells in vitro, and positive effect of YM infusions on BMD and trabecular bone biomechanical properties in vivo. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate in vivo effects of the YM exposure from embryonic stage up to youth, on bone development and tissue properties of rats. Methods: Ten-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups: Controls consumed water ad libitum; YM group consumed an infusion prepared with 25 g of YM leaves in water at 70°C; YM+ group that consumed a YM infusion prepared with 50 g of YM in water at 90°C. After 30 days old, the rats were euthanized, and their bones were collected. The morphometry measurements were made using Image J 1.40 (NIH, USA) on digitalized radiographs of mandible and tibia bones and on cross sectional photos of femur diaphysis. On mandible, we measure its length (from the most anterior inferior bone point to the condyle), the mandibular area, the height of the jaw and the height of the molars. For femur measurements were total and bone marrow area, cortical thickness, endosteal and periosteal perimeter, internal and external diameter, width and length. For tibia measurements, we recorded the width and length. Three-point bending tests were performed on femurs and mandibles and the following parameters were collected: stiffness, ultimate load, failure load, absorbed energy and cross-sectional moments of inertia (CSMI, only in femur). Radiographs with calcium level patterns were taken, and BMD of tibias were obtained using Image J. All values are reported as mean±SD. Statistical tests were conducted using one-way ANOVA or Brown-Forsythe and Welch ANOVA for overall analysis. The results are shown in the Table. * indicate significant differences vs. Controls. Conclusion: Evidence suggests that exposure to YM during the embryonic stage, weaning, and youth can cause changes in bone development and properties. Lower molar width, tibia diaphysis and femur cortical thickness were observed.