Localization of osteocalcin in bone healing treated by local application of collagen and beta-tricalcium phosphate in rats

Introduction Bone repair is a complex and multifaceted process that generally happens naturally unless complicated by situations such as substantial bone defects. The bone healing process is typically divided into three stages: inflammation, repair, and remodeling. Beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) renowned for its abundant reserves of calcium and phosphorus, easily assimilated by the body. Its exceptional biocompatibility assists in the formation of an absorbable interlinked structure at the injury site, contributing to the advancement of the healing process. Purpose This study aimed to estimate the effects of a scaffold of collagen/β-tricalcium phosphate (Coll/βTCP) on bone construction to evaluate its latent usage as a bone auxiliary to repair bone defects. Material and Methods The experiment was performed on 20 adult male albino rats. Four holes were surgically created on each animal, two in each femur; two holes were treated separately with Coll or β-TCP, one hole with their combination. The untreated hole served as a control. Animals were scarified after twoand four-week treatment periods (10 rats for each). Immunohistochemical analysis of bone marrow stromal cells, osteocytes, osteoblasts and osteoclasts using polyclonal antibodies to osteocalcin was performed. Result Immunohistochemical results discovered strong positive expression of osteocalcin in bone healing in the group of combined treatment (β-TCP and collagen) as compared to other groups. Highly significant differences were seen between the combination of collagen with β-TCP and the control group at both timepoints of the experiment. Discussion The marker osteocalcin is unique to osteoblasts, specifically to osteoblasts that are actively forming new osteoid or remodeling bone. The obtained findings showed that mean values of osteocalcin expression were greater in the experimental groups than in the control group. Conclusion The combination of collagen with β-TCP showed the greatest efficacy in accelerating bone healing and increasing osteogenic capacity due to increased osteocalcin immunoreactivity.