The effects of icariin on wound healing of extraction sites with administration of zoledronic and dexamethasone: A rat model study.

OBJECTIVE

This study was intended to investigate the effects of icariin on the healing of tooth extraction sites under the systemic administration of zoledronic and dexamethasone.

METHOD: Thirty female rats underwent bilateral ovariectomy and were randomly assigned to 5 groups: SS group received a weekly injection of saline, while ZD, ZD + LICA, ZD + MICA, and ZD + HICA groups received zoledronic with dexamethasone for 8 weeks. One week later, mandibular first molars were extracted in all groups. Then, 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg icariin were intragastrically given to ZD + LICA, ZD + MICA, and ZD + HICA groups daily for 10 weeks, while saline was given to SS group and ZD group. Blood samples and mandibles were harvested for examinations after 10 weeks.

RESULTS

Significantly smaller wound area was noted in SS and ZD + HICA groups, but the incidence of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) was not significantly different. Groups injected with zoledronic and dexamethasone had higher C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX-1), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP 5b), and the number of osteoclast cells, with less vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and osteocalcin (OCN). In contrast, CTX-1, TRACP 5b, and the number of osteoclast cells declined after using icariin and promoted VEGF and OCN were noted and the effects were in a dosage-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

Concurrent use of zoledronic and dexamethasone inhibits the expression of VEGF, OCN, and wound healing and increases the number of osteoclast cells, serum CTX-1, and TRACP-5b after discontinuation for 10 weeks. Icariin weakens those effects in a dose-dependent manner but does not influence the onset of BRONJ.