Effects of 2-oxoglutaric acid on bone morphometry, densitometry, mechanics, and immunohistochemistry in 9-month-old boars with prenatal dexamethasone-induced osteopenia.

The structural quality of the connective tissue is genetically determined and is influenced by hormonal and nutritional modification. An effect of a 2-Ox-rich diet on bone mineralization and structure and expression of non-collagenous protein in articular and growth cartilages of maternal dexamethasone-treated 9-month-old boars was considered in this study. Sows were treated i.m. with dexamethasone at the dose of 0.03 mg kg(-1) body weight every second day during the last 45 days of pregnancy. After the birth, the boars were divided into two groups: administered and not supplemented with 2-Ox for 9 months (0.4 g/kg body weight/day). Dexamethasone given during the prenatal time inhibited the growth and negatively influenced the mechanics, geometry and histomorphometrical parameters of long bones and cartilage irrespective of the diet. Moreover, maternal dexamethasone treatment resulted in expression of osteocalcin in the articular cartilage, and the diet rich in 2-Ox limited the OC expression. This study demonstrated that changes observed in adult boars initiated by dexamethasone treatment in the prenatal period were persistent and long-term use of alimentary 2-Ox supplementation can counteract only some of the destructive changes evoked by prenatal dexamethasone excess.