Role of Hydroxyapatite and Ellagic Acid in the Osteogenesis.

OBJECTIVE

Ellagic acid (EA), a phenolic antioxidant, has benefits in bone health and wound healing. The combination of EA and hydroxyapatite (HA) (EA-HA) is expected to increase osteogenesis. The aim of this study was to analyze osteogenesis after application of EA-HA according to the number of osteoblasts and osteoclasts in the bone and the expression of the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and osteocalcin (OCN) protein.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty Wistar rats were assessed with bone defects created in the left femur. The defects were filled with EA-HA and then sutured. Control groups were filled with polyethylene glycol (PEG) or HA. Each group was sacrificed either 7 or 14 days after treatment.

RESULTS

The defects filled with EA-HA exhibited the highest number of osteoblasts and the greatest expression of OPG and OCN at both day 7 and day 14 ( = 0.000). Conversely, treatment with EA-HA resulted in lower numbers of osteoclasts and reduced RANKL staining at both time points ( = 0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

EA-HA can increase osteogenesis in bone defects by increasing the number of osteoblasts and the expression of OPG and OCN.