Conjugated linoleic acid reduces parathyroid hormone in health and in polycystic kidney disease in rats

Background: Feeding conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is reported to reduce prostaglandin E-2 synthesis, which is required for parathyroid hormone (PTH) release. Objective: This study was undertaken to determine whether CLA would suppress hyperparathyroidism and the resulting high-turnover bone disease in a rat model of polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Design: Outcome measurements were conducted after 8 wk of feeding diets supplemented with and without CLA (1% of dietary fat) to Han:SPRD-cy male rats (n = 52). PTH, bone formation, and resorption were assessed in addition to femur bone mass with use of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: CLA feeding resulted in attenuation of PTH concentrations in both PKD-affected and nonaffected rats (by 60%) but did not significantly alter bone formation and resorption. Conclusion: Reduction in PTH may open possibilities for CLA as an adjunctive therapy in secondary hyperparathyroidism.