Simvastatin and biphasic calcium phosphate affects bone formation in critical-sized rat calvarial defects

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of locally applied simvastatin plus biphasic calcium phosphate (BoneCeramic(r)) or collagen sponge on bone formation in critical-sized bone defects. METHODS: Thirty defects of 5mm in diameter were created bilaterally with a trephine bur in the calvariae of fifteen Wistar rats. The defects were divided into five groups: group 1 - control, no treatment; group 2 (BoneCeramic(r)); group 3 (BoneCeramic(r) + 0.1mg simvastatin); group 4 (collagen sponge); and group 5 (collagen sponge + 0.1mg simvastatin). After eight weeks the animals were euthanized and their calvariae were histologically processed. Hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections were subjected to histological and histomorphometrical analyses. The area of newly formed bone was calculated and compared between groups. RESULTS: The greater amount of a bone-like tissue was formed around the carrier in group 3 (BoneCeramic(r) + 0.1mg simvastatin) followed by group 2 (BoneCeramic(r)), and almost no bone was formed in the other groups. Group 3 was significantly different compared to group 2, and both groups were significantly different compared to the other groups. CONCLUSION: Simvastatin combined with BoneCeramic(r) induced significantly greater amounts of newly formed bone and has great potential for the healing of bone defects.

Behavioural and cognitive effects of simvastatin dose used in stimulation of bone regeneration in rats

To analyze the effects of simvastatin (SVT) in the locomotion, anxiety and memory of rats, as a reflection of the administration of a minimum dose capable of stimulating bone regeneration in defects in the calvariae. METHODS: Surgical procedures were performed in 15 female Wistar rats, 2-month old, to insert the grafting material regenerator (Bone-ceramic(r)) and/or SVT, followed by behavioural and cognitive assessments in the 7th, 30th and 60th days post surgery. RESULTS: The SVT locally applied with the goal of bone regeneration in defects created in rat calvariae does not interfere with locomotion, anxiety levels and/or memories of rats, except for the first week following surgery, when an anxiolytic effect was observed, as a result of a possible central action. CONCLUSION: Failure to provoke any response within 30 and 60 days post surgical procedures suggests that SVT may constitute a good choice in stimulating bone regeneration without affecting the long term neural functions.