The purpose of the present study is to investigate effects of the combination of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) on bone regenerative capacity in a bilateral rat calvarial bone defect model.
Materials and methods: Bilateral 5-mm-diameter calvarial defects were created in adult male Wistar rats and filled with preparations of EGCG (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 mg) combined with α-TCP particles. This was done by dissolving EGCG in 100% ethanol (50 μL/14 mg) and dropping under sterile condition. The control group was left unfilled (n = 8). The animals were sacrificed at 2 and 4 weeks. Radiological images were taken, and histological analysis was done. Six animals from control (0 mg EGCG + α-TCP) group and (0.2 mg EGCG+ α-TCP) group were labeled with fluorescent dyes and histomorphometrically analyzed (n = 6) at 2 and 4 weeks.
Results: Histomorphometric analysis revealed that the combination of EGCG and α-TCP at doses of 0.1 and 0.2 mg yielded significantly more new bone formation than untreated control group at 2 and 4 weeks (p > 0.05). Mineral apposition rate at 0.2-TCP group was enhanced compared with the one of the positive control α-TCP group at 4 weeks (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: The combination of α-TCP particles and 0.2 mg EGCG stimulates maximum bone regeneration in rat calvarial defects, and this combination would be potentially effective as bone graft material.
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