The effect of infliximab on bone healing in osteoporotic rats

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the infliximab on autogenous-mediated bone regeneration and resorption of autogenous graft in the ovariectomised rat model. Materials and methods: Forty rats underwent ovariectomy and 6 weeks later the animals were randomly assigned to four groups. Critical size defects were created in each rat calvarium. In the control group (C), the flap was closed without any further action. In the only infliximab group (In), the flap was closed without any further action. After the operation, intravenous infliximab was injected. In the autogenous graft group (Ag), autogenous bone was applied in to the defect. In autogenous graft + infliximab group (Ag+In), autogenous graft was placed on the defect. After the operation, intravenous infliximab was injected. The animals were sacrificed at 4 weeks. Bone formation was assessed by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) scans and stereological analysis. Results: The mean new bone volume was the greatest in Ag+In group (1.76 +/- 0.20), followed by the Ag group (1.51 +/- 0.05) (statistically significant difference at P < 0.05). The lowest new bone was found in the control group (1.05 +/- 0.09), however no difference was observed from the In group (1.14 +/- 0.08) (P > 0.05). Besides there was a statistically significant difference between the Ag+In group (1.00 +/- 0.05) and Ag group (0.74 +/- 0.04) in terms of the graft volume (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study, despite its limitations, showed that infliximab has a beneficial effect for prevent graft resorption and bone regeneration in osteoporotic rats.