HMGCo-A Reductase Inhibitors increase Bone Formation

Abstract

AIM: A well-rounded alveolar ridge is required for orthodontic tooth movement. Statin, a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, has been shown to turn on the gene for bone formation by blocking the mevalonate pathway in cholesterol production. Naringin is a fl avonoid commonly available in citrus fruits, which is also a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. The aim of this study was to compare the amount of new bone produced by HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, statin and naringin, in collagen matrix carrier with that of collagen matrix carrier alone. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Twenty bone defects were created in the parietal bone of 12 New Zealand white rabbits. In the experimental groups, fi ve defects were grafted with statin solution mixed with collagen matrix carrier and fi ve with naringin solution mixed with collagen matrix carrier. In the control groups, fi ve defects were grafted with collagen matrix carrier alone (positive control) and fi ve were left empty (negative control). The animals were killed on day 14 and the defects were dissected and prepared for histological assessment. Serial sections were cut across each defect. Quantitative analysis of new bone formation was made on 150 sections (50 sections for each group) using image analysis. RESULTS: A total of 308 and 490 per cent more new bone was present in the defects grafted with statin in collagen matrix carrier and naringin in collagen matrix carrier, respectively, than those grafted with collagen matrix carrier. No bone was formed in the passive control group. CONCLUSIONS: HMGCo-A reductase inhibitors, such as statin and naringin in collagen matrix carriers, have the effect of increasing new bone formation locally and can be used as bone graft materials. This has potential, as statin is a commonly prescribed cholesterol-lowering drug, whereas naringin is commonly available in edible fruits.