Locally delivered dexpanthenol enhances bone regeneration in a rabbit defect model: Implications for oral and maxillofacial surgery

BACKGROUND: Bone regeneration plays a critical role in oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures, including implant site preparation, periodontal defect management, and guided bone regeneration. Dexpanthenol (DXP), a well-tolerated derivative of pantothenic acid with antioxidant and wound-healing properties, has demonstrated beneficial effects in soft tissue repair; however, its potential role in bone regeneration remains insufficiently explored. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of locally delivered DXP on bone healing using a standardized rabbit defect model. METHODS: This in vivo experimental study employed an intra-animal paired tibial defect model in eight adult male New Zealand White rabbits. Two standardized monocortical defects (6 mm in diameter and 8 mm in depth) were created in the right tibia of each animal. One defect was treated with a gelatin sponge (GS) (control), while the adjacent defect received DXP-impregnated GS. After a 30-day healing period, histomorphometric analysis and immunohistochemical evaluation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression were performed. RESULTS: DXP-treated defects exhibited significantly improved bone healing parameters compared to controls, including increased total healing area, higher defect closure rate, new bone formation, elevated osteoblast counts, and enhanced collagen deposition (P < 0.001 for all). VEGF expression was also significantly higher in the DXP group (P < 0.001), suggesting increased angiogenesis-related activity. No significant difference was observed in osteoclast counts (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this experimental model, locally delivered dexpanthenol was associated with enhanced bone formation healing and increased VEGF expression. However, given the use of a non-craniofacial defect model and the absence of mechanistic analyses, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Further studies using clinically relevant models and molecular approaches are required to clarify the underlying mechanisms and translational potential of DXP in bone regeneration.