Fig. 4.

Osteoblast markers and bone formation rate are increased in male mice treated with L. reuteri. A: Levels of osteocalcin tibia RNA and serum protein are shown. Mice were treated with vehicle (control) or L. reuteri for 4 weeks. RNA levels were expressed relative to HPRT, a non-modulated house-keeping gene. B: Top: Representative fluorescence microscopy photographs depicting two pulses of calcein incorporation. The space between the two bands represents the mineral apposition rate (MAR). Bottom: Bar graphs of bone formation rate (BFR). Mice were treated for 4 weeks. Values are averages ± standard error, n ≥ 8 per group, ^*P < 0.05 to control by Student’s t-test.