Expressions of VEGF, BMP-2 and CBFA in statin-induced osteogenesis

Abstract

AIMS: To study the expressions of VEGF, BMP-2 and Cbfa1 in statin-induced osteogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Thirty bone defects were created in the parietal bone of 15 New Zealand White rabbits. The rabbits were divided into statin (9) and collagen matrix (6) groups for further assessment. In the statin group, the defects were grafted with collagen matrix carriers mixed with statin solution. These rabbits were sacrificed on day 1, 2, 3 (2 rabbits), 4 (2 rabbits), 5 (2 rabbits) and 6 after surgery. In the collagen matrix group, the defects were grafted with collagen matrix carriers mixed with water for injection, sacrificed on day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 after surgery. The bone defects and surrounding tissues were prepared for histological assessment. RESULTS: Immunolocalization studies on the defects grafted with statin showed VEGF was expressed on day 3 after surgery, BMP-2 on day 4, Cbfa1 on day 5 and new bone was formed on day 5. These events occurred one day earlier than those grafted with the carrier alone. CONCLUSION: Statin both induced and accelerated bone formation locally. It triggered the early expression of growth factors that regulate angiogenesis, differentiation of bone cells and osteogenesis during osteoinduction.