Octacalcium phosphate/gelatin composite facilitates bone regeneration of critical-sized mandibular defects in rats: A quantitative study

Background. Regeneration of bone defects remains a challenge for maxillofacial surgeons. The present study aimed to compare the effects of octacalcium phosphate (OCP) and the combination of octacalcium phosphate/gelatin (OCP/Gel) on mandibular bone regeneration in rats

Methods. In the present study, 36 male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The animals were randomly assigned to the following experimental groups: OCP (n=12), OCP/Gel (n=12), and the control group (n=12). Defects were created in the rat mandibles and filled with 10 mg of OCP and OCP/Gel disks in the experimental groups. In the control group, however, no substance was administered. Samples were taken on days 7, 14, 21 and 56, respectively, after the implantation. Sections (5 µ) were prepared and stained by H&E. The sections were studied, and the volume fraction of newly formed bone was measured by Dunnett's T3 test based on the significance level (P=0.05).

Results. In the experimental groups, the new bone formation began from the margin of defects 7‒14 days after the implantation. During the healing process, the newly formed bone healed a larger area of the defects and grew structurally. In the control group, the defects were primarily filled with dense connective tissue, and only a small amount of new bone was formed. The present study showed a statistically significant difference in the volume of newly formed bone between the experimental groups and the control group (P<0.001).

Conclusion. OCP/Gel composite can be beneficial in the healing process of mandibular bone defects.