Effects of Local Low-Dose Alendronate Injections Into the Distraction Gap on New Bone Formation and Distraction Rate on Distraction Osteogenesis

Abstract

Bisphosphonates that constrain bone resorption have a direct effect on osteoclast function. In this experimental study, the effects of low-dose local alendronate injections on the distraction gap (DG) in rabbit mandible at 2 different rates were evaluated.The experimental study was conducted on 20 male, New Zealand white rabbits. The animals were divided into 3 experimental groups and 1 control group. Group 1 consisted of animals with distraction at the rate of 1 mm/day, receiving postoperative local low-dose alendronate local injections into the DG. Group 2 consisted of animals with distraction at the rate of 2 mm/day, receiving postoperative 0.75 μg/kg of alendronate local injections into the DG. Group 3 consisted of animals with distraction at the rate of 2 mm/day, receiving postoperative 0.2 mL local saline injections into the DG. Group 4 consisted of animals with distraction at the rate of 1 mm/day, receiving postoperative 0.2 mL local saline injections into the DG. All the injections were performed immediately postoperatively and for all groups at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks following surgery. The distraction zones were evaluated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and histological analysis.Histologically, bone healing was found to be significantly accelerated in Groups 1 and 4 compared with Groups 2 and 3 (P < 0.05). Bone healing was superior in Group 1 and the difference was statistically significant compared with Group 4. There was a significant increase in mean bone mineral density in the 1 mm daily rate groups (Groups 1 and 4) compared with the 2 mm daily rate groups (Groups 2 and 3) (P < 0.05).Local low-dose alendronate injections could be an effective way for improving bone formation in distraction osteogenesis. Furthermore, the results of this study did not support the hypothesis that injections of local low-dose alendronate may allow 2 mm/day instead of 1 mm/day of elongation in the rabbit mandible.

Overview of Physical and Pharmacological Therapy in Enhancing Bone Regeneration Formation During Distraction Osteogenesis

“…In Alp et al’ utilized a rate of 1 mm/day lengthening and locally injected low-dose alendronate in rabbit mandibles, which provided the optimal new bone formation. This suggested that bisphosphonates might be beneficial in clinical practice ( Alp et al, 2017 ).…”

Does the intraperitoneal dexmedetomidine induce bone regeneration in cranial defects at subsedative doses in rabbits?

“…In the literature, there have been studies on bone regeneration that used many different materials, techniques (low-intensity pulsed ultrasound, pulsed electromagnetic fields, dynamic loading, etc. ), and pharmacological agents to increase the treatment success rate by improving the quality and resistance of the regenerative tissue [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. On the other hand, gene therapy in rabbits needs to be investigated further to validate the results and test them clinically [4,14].…”

Effect of bisphosphonate treatment of titanium surfaces on alkaline phosphatase activity in osteoblasts: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Besides their inhibitory effect on osteoclasts and bone resorption, bisphosphonates may promote the processes of bone formation and enhance osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) [17]. Bisphosphonates have been shown to support osseous wound healing and bone formation in the animal model [18,19]. Dental implant bisphosphonate coatings are successfully applied as local drug delivery systems, demonstrating higher bone to implant contact (BIC) and peri-implant bone mineralization in the animal model [20,21].…”