Combined application of a GSK3 inhibitor and injectable platelet rich fibrin with deproteinized bovine bone improves bone regeneration

This preliminary experimental study aimed to explore the osteoregenerative capacity of a novel combinatorial approach integrating deproteinized bovine bone (DBB), the glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) inhibitor Tideglusib, and injectable platelet-rich fibrin (I-PRF) in a rat critical-sized calvarial defect model. A total of 36 adult rats (250–350 g) were included, comprising four donor animals and 32 experimental subjects. Standardized critical-sized defects were surgically created in the parietal bone of each rat. The animals were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 8 per group): DBB alone (control), DBB + Tideglusib, DBB + I-PRF, and DBB + Tideglusib + I-PRF. Injectable PRF was prepared from intracardiac blood collected from donor rats and incorporated into the designated grafting protocols. Following an 8-week healing period, the animals were euthanized, and the calvarial specimens were harvested for histomorphometric quantification of newly formed bone. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in regenerative outcomes between the DBB group and the other groups, with the highest extent of new bone formation observed in defects treated with the triple-combination therapy. The findings of this preliminary study suggest that the combined use of DBB, Tideglusib, and I-PRF may represent a promising grafting strategy for enhancing bone regeneration.