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J Korean Assoc Oral Maxillofac Surg.  2020 Aug;46(4):258-265. 10.5125/jkaoms.2020.46.4.258.

The effect of two phosphodiesterase inhibitors on bone healing in mandibular fractures (animal study in rats)

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dental School, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Isfahan, Iran
  • 2Torabinejad Dental Research Center and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract


Objectives
Despite advances in maxillofacial surgery, impaired bone healing remains a concern for surgical teams. Many studies have evaluated the effects of sildenafil and pentoxifylline on bone healing. However, their effects on healing of bone fractures have not been well investigated. This study aimed to assess the effects of the phosphodiesterase inhibitors sildenafil and pentoxifylline on healing of mandibular fractures in rats.
Materials and Methods
A total of 60 rats were randomly divided into six groups of 10. Mandibular fracture was induced in all rats. After the surgical procedure, group C1 received saline, group S1 received 10 mg/kg sildenafil and group P1 received 50 mg/kg pentoxifylline. The rats were sacrificed after 1 week. Groups C4, S4, and P4 received pharmaceutical therapy as in groups C1, S1, and P1 but were sacrificed after 4 weeks. The samples then underwent histological analysis.
Results
The mean rate of bone healing of mandibular fractures in groups S1 and P1 was significantly higher than in group C1 at 1 week (p<0.001). The mean rate of bone healing of mandibular fractures in group P1 was higher than in group S1 at 1 week (p=0.04). The mean rate of bone healing of mandibular fractures in groups S4 (p=0.001) and P4 (p=0.004) was significantly higher than in group C4 at 4 weeks, but no significant difference was noted in the rate of healing between groups P4 and S4 (p=0.53).
Conclusion
Sildenafil and pentoxifylline can be used as adjuncts to enhance bone healing in rats.

Keyword

Bone regeneration; Mandibular fracture; Pentoxifylline; Sildenafil
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