Topical simvastatin improves the pro-angiogenic and pro-osteogenic properties of bioglass putty in the rat calvaria critical-size model.

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To describe the effect of bioactive glass putty with and without topical simvastatin on new bone formation in critical-sized defects of rat calvaria. Study design: A calvarial bone defect was created in 20 male Wistar rats and filled with bioactive glass alone (n=10) or combined with simvastatin (n=10). After 4 weeks, the defects were histomorphometrically evaluated for volume fraction (Vv) of woven bone, vessel density, bioglass quantity, and inflammation. Results: Compared to the bioglass-only group, rats treated with simvastatin had greater Vv of blood vessels (3.3%+0.7 vs 1.6%+0.1, P=0.0002) and new bone (2.3%+0.2 vs 1.8%+2.5, P=0.003). The Vv of the bioglass remnants in the bioglass-only group was higher than in the group treated with simvastatin (2.4% +0.08 vs 1.7%+0.3, P<0.0004). Chronic inflammation was noted in one rat from each group. Conclusion: Topical simvastatin seems to improve the pro-angiogenic and pro-osteogenic properties of bioglass putty in rat calvaria critical-size defects without significant inflammation.