Evaluation of Joint & Bone Care Function

What Can We Do for Bone Health Function Evaluation?

• Bone Density Testing

We can use dual energy X-ray absorption (DXA) or the recent micro-computerized tomography (Micro-CT, μ-CT) to detect bone density (mass/volume). This type of instrument usually uses high and low energy radioactive sources to eliminate interference from the body's soft tissues and can simultaneously measure body fat and muscles.

• Trabecular Bone Measurement

We use methods recognized by general medicine or physiology to slice appropriate bones such as the femur and tibia, and then analyze and judge by observing bone tissue morphology.

• Decalcified or non-decalcified specimens are processed first.
• Fix the specimen accurately and completely.
• Embedding with an embedding agent of comparable hardness
• Sectioning, staining, and placing under a microscope.
• Use measurable software to select a specific range at the epiphysis near the growth plate (must be at the same location for each animal) to measure bone histomorphometric parameters.
• We can also directly calculate trabecular volume, trabecular thickness, and trabecular number using μ-CT tomography.

• Sponge Bone Mineral Apposition Rate (MAR) Evaluation

When young animals are given some health foods, drugs or external stimuli, the changes in MAR can be observed to understand the effects of the health foods, drugs or external stimuli on bone growth. We usually use red Calcein and Xylenol orange as bone fluorescent markers (fluorochrome) to observe the deposition rate of mineralized surfaces.

A few weeks before the end of the experimental feeding period (approximately between 6 and 12 weeks of age is most appropriate, because rats during this period are in a period of rapid development and growth, and the gap between the two marking lines is more obvious and easier to observe and calculate), inject an appropriate amount of Calcein subcutaneously first, and then inject Xylenol orange 2 weeks later.

Animal bones were tissue sectioned, observed and measured under a fluorescence microscope.

• Biomechanical Analysis

We used a bone stress measuring instrument to measure the three-point bending of the left femur. The fixed points at both ends were 5 mm each, the speed was 0.5 mm/min, the force and distance were recorded, and the cross-sectional area was calculated using image analysis software after the curve section was photographed.

Our OB & OC Metabolic Biochemical Index Determination Services

We simultaneously measured at least one indicator of osteoblast (OB) and osteoclast (OC) activity. If the tested product can promote OB activity and inhibit OC activity at the same time, we are sure that the tested product can promote bone health; but if the tested product can promote OB activity or inhibit OC activity without having a negative effect on other cells, it can also be regarded as health food.

Why Choose Our Joint & Bone Health Function Evaluation Services?

• A dedicated team of veterinary scientists, nutritionists and researchers with expertise in animal physiology and behavior.
• Advanced imaging modalities like DXA, CT and MRI to assess bone mineral density and microarchitecture changes.
• Biomechanical testing of bone strength properties such as load to failure and elastic modulus.
• Quantitative gait analysis and force plate studies to evaluate functional mobility impacts.
• Insight into the underlying mechanisms through biomarker profiling of bone turnover rates.

Through advanced imaging, biomechanical analysis and clinical assessments, we thoroughly investigate how products impact metrics such as bone mineral density, strength, gait, and pain response. Please contact us to discuss the substantiating bone benefits of your product through our comprehensive evaluation services!