Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Epimedium can promote the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts.
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of calcium phosphate cement (CPC)/epimedium composite materials on fracture healing of osteoporotic rats.
METHODS: Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into control group and experimental group. Ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis rat models were established in the experimental group, while surgical excision of a small amount of fatty tissue around the ovaries was performed in the control group. Cancellous bone fracture was prepared in the distal end of the right femur of rats in the experimental group, and the rats were subdivided into three groups for treatment: Kirschner wire group, CPC group and CPC/epimedium group.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Alkaline phosphatase activity: increasing in varying degrees of alkaline phosphatase activity could be seen in the three groups at 2, 4 and 8 weeks after treatment, and the improvement in alkaline phosphatase activity of the CPC/epimedium group was the highest (P < 0.05). At 12 weeks, alkaline phosphatase activity of the CPC/epimedium group returned to normal, and those of the other two groups maintained a high level despite some decrease. Biomechanical detection: the maximum load of the CPC/epimedium group was obviously higher than those of the two other groups (P < 0.05), and the rate of increase in the maximum load of the CPC/epimedium group was the highest. Histological examination: fibrous osteotylus and bone callus of the CPC/epimedium group appeared more early, and both the quantity and the quality of new bone were superior to those of the other groups. It is indicated that the CPC/epimedium artificial bone possesses a good osteoinductive activity, and can improve the fracture healing of osteoporotic rats.