The biomaterial-mediated healing of critical size bone defects in the ovariectomized rat

This study demonstrated an impaired biomaterial-mediated bone regeneration in a critical sized calvarial defect established within an ovariectomized rat model. Histological and microtomographic evidences were supported by an impaired osteoblastic gene expression and altered expression of estrogen receptors and adipogenic markers. This work aims to address the bone regeneration process in the ovariectomized rat model, by assessing a calvarial critical size defect implanted with a biocompatible bovine bone mineral graft. Animals were randomly divided into two groups: Ovx (bilateral ovariectomy) and Sham (control surgery). Following 8 weeks, all animals were submitted to a surgical bicortical craniotomy (5-mm circular critical size defect), which was filled with a biocompatible mineral graft. Animals were euthanized at 1, 3, and 6 months following graft implantation (n = 10), and results on the orthotopic bone regeneration process were blindly evaluated by radiographic, microtomographic, histological, histomorphometric, and gene expression techniques. In the attained model, in both Sham and Ovx groups, the bone regenerative process was found to occur in a slow-paced manner. Likewise, a qualitative evaluation of the microtomographic and histological analysis, as well as quantitative data from histomorphometric indexes, revealed reduced bone regeneration in Ovx animals, at the assayed time points. Significant differences were attained at the 3 and 6 months. Gene expression analysis revealed a reduced expression of osteoblastic-related genes and an altered expression of estrogen receptors and adipogenic markers, within the regenerating bone of Ovx animals. Due to the similarities between the osteoporotic animal model and the human condition of postmenopausal osteoporosis, it might be relevant to consider the potential clinical implication of the osteoporotic condition in the biomaterial-mediated bone tissue healing/regeneration process.