Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2)
are important regulators of bone repair and regeneration. In this study, we examined
whether TGF-β1 and BMP-2 expressions were delayed during bone healing in type 1
diabetes mellitus. Tibial fractures were created in 95 diabetic and 95 control adult
male Wistar rats of 10 weeks of age. At 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 weeks after fracture
induction, five rats were sacrificed from each group. The expressions of TGF-β1 and
BMP2 in the fractured tibias were measured by immunohistochemistry and quantitative
reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, weekly for the first 5 weeks
post-fracture. Mechanical parameters (bending rigidity, torsional rigidity,
destruction torque) of the healing bones were also assessed at 3, 4, and 5 weeks
post-fracture, after the rats were sacrificed. The bending rigidity, torsional
rigidity and destruction torque of the two groups increased continuously during the
healing process. The diabetes group had lower mean values for bending rigidity,
torsional rigidity and destruction torque compared with the control group
(P<0.05). TGF-β1 and BMP-2 expression were significantly lower (P<0.05) in the
control group than in the diabetes group at postoperative weeks 1, 2, and 3. Peak
levels of TGF-β1 and BMP-2 expression were delayed by 1 week in the diabetes group
compared with the control group. Our results demonstrate that there was a delayed
recovery in the biomechanical function of the fractured bones in diabetic rats. This
delay may be associated with a delayed expression of the growth factors TGF-β1 and
BMP-2.