(P44-15-26) Effect of Prune Intake on Regulation of Calcium Metabolism, Inflammation and Antioxidant Capacity in Osteoporotic Rats

Objectives: Bone health is an important aspect of our overall wellbeing. Prunes are rich in calcium, Vitamin K, fiber, magnesium, and polyphenols, which may support bone health and reduce the risk of calcium deficiency- associated bone loss. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of prune consumption on regulation of calcium absorption and reabsorption, lipid profiles, antioxidant capacity, and inflammation in rats as well as to explore the mechanism of this process. We hypothesized that prune consumption would increase calcium utilization by upregulating intestinal calcium transporters and renal reabsorption transporter gene expression.

Methods: Fifty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to a 2 (diet: control or 15% Prune) × 2 (sex: orchiectomized [ORX] male or ovariectomized [OVX] female) factorial design.

Results: Prune consumption did not alter duodenal expression of calcium transport genes (Trpv6, CaBP9K, and PMCA1b). However, prune-fed rats exhibited significantly lower duodenal expression of the inflammatory gene Rela (P < 0.05). No differences were observed in renal expression of Trpv5, CaBP28K, PMCA1b, or Rela. Bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) levels, a bone-formation marker, were significantly greater in prune-fed rats than in the control group (P = 0.046). Total antioxidant capacity was also significantly higher in rats on the prune diet (P = 0.023). No significant differences in triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL levels were found between the control and prune groups. Despite the naturally high sugar content of prunes, no adverse effects on lipid profiles were observed.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that prunes improve factors that support bone health in rats by increased bone formation markers, reduced intestinal inflammation, and enhanced antioxidant capacity.

Funding Sources: Funded by the CA Prune Board