The Effects of Alendronate and Vitamin D Administration on Biochemical Parameters in Rats Treated with Dexamethasone

Glucocorticoids, frequently preferred for treatment due to their immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects, are known to have significant side effects on many systems, such as the musculoskeletal system, endocrine system, cardiovascular system, and central nervous system, depending on their use. This study investigated the effects of dexamethasone administration in rats and the effects of alendronate and vitamin D, administered alone or in combination to reduce its potential effects, on various biochemical parameters. A total of 40 rats were divided into 5 groups and administered 7.5 mg/kg dexamethasone subcutaneously once a week for 6 weeks, in all groups except for the control group. No treatment was administered to the control group, and no treatment was administered to the group receiving dexamethasone. The remaining three groups received treatment with alendronate (0.9 mg/kg 5 days per week), vitamin D (10.000 IU/500 µL), and alendronate/vitamin D combination administered at the same doses via gavage, respectively. With dexamethasone administration, serum LDH activity, triglyceride, magnesium, and iron levels significantly increased (p<0.05) compared to the control group, while chloride levels lowered (p<0.05). The increase in LDH activity and iron levels (p<0.05) also continued with alendronate administration. Triglyceride levels were significantly higher (p<0.05) in all treatment groups. The decrease in albumin levels observed in all groups compared to the control group was significant with alendronate and combined use, while the increase in urea levels was significant only in the vitamin D group. The significant decrease in chloride levels observed in the dexamethasone group was observed to continue in the alendronate group, while the high magnesium levels continued in the alendronate and vitamin D groups. In conclusion, it is thought that further studies are needed in which alendronate and vitamin D are administered at different doses and durations to eliminate the effects of dexamethasone on various biochemical parameters.