Bone mineral density is reduced by telmisartan in male spontaneously hypertensive rats

• Published in: Pharmacological reports 2016-12, Vol.68 (6), p.1149-1153
• Main Authors: Birocale, Antonio Marcos, Medeiros, Ana Raquel Santos, Ruffoni, Leandro Dias Gonçalves, Takayama, Liliam, de Oliveira, José Martins, Nonaka, Keico Okino, Pereira, Rosa Maria Rodrigues, Bissoli, Nazaré Souza
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers - adverse effects; Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers - pharmacology; Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers - therapeutic use; Animals; Benzimidazoles - adverse effects; Benzimidazoles - pharmacology; Benzimidazoles - therapeutic use; Benzoates - adverse effects; Benzoates - pharmacology; Benzoates - therapeutic use; Bone Density - drug effects; Bone Density - physiology; Bone loss; Drug Safety and Pharmacovigilance; Exercise; Exercise Test - methods; Hypertension; Hypertension - diagnostic imaging; Hypertension - drug therapy; Hypertension - therapy; Male; Pharmacotherapy; Pharmacy; Physical Conditioning, Animal - methods; Physical Conditioning, Animal - physiology; Rats; Rats, Inbred SHR; Short Communication; Telmisartan
• ISSN: 1734-1140; 2299-5684
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2016.06.014

Telmisartan, an angiotensin AT1 receptor blocker, and treadmill running were compared for their effects on bone mineral density (BMD) and biomechanical properties of male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). It was hypothesized that running (18m/min/60min/d) and telmisartan (5mg/kg/d) would have a positive effect on bone parameters. Three-month-old male SHRs were divided into three groups: sedentary (S), telmisartan (T), and exercise (E). At the end of an 8-week protocol, femur and lumbar vertebrae were analyzed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for bone mineral density and by the three-point bending test for biomechanical properties. Blood pressure in all groups was measured by a tail-cuff manometer. Telmisartan and treadmill running reduced blood pressure when compared to the sedentary group; however, telmisartan did not improve bone characteristics. Instead, it reduced BMD of femur total and lumbar vertebrae and worsened bone biomechanic properties. Treadmill running maintained bone characteristics and hence was effective in maintaining bone health. Results showed that telmisartan negatively affected bones suggesting that caution should be taken in possible therapeutic applications for protecting bone health in hypertensive conditions. More studies are necessary to clarify the mechanisms through which telmisartan favors bone loss in this model.