The biochemical and histopatological effects of vitamin C and diclofenac sodium on the healing of bone defects in rats (Experimental study)

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) preparations, which are frequently used current days, cause deterioration in the properties of the newly formed bone and delay in the healing process. It is thought that the increased free oxygen radicals in the region after tissue injuries have negative effects on bone healing. Vitamin C, an antioxidant, has positive effects on fracture healing by preventing lipid peroxidation caused by these free radicals. The aim of the current study was to examine the histopathological and biochemical effects of vitamin C on the healing of experimental defects in NSAID (diclofenac sodium) treated rats. In our study, 64 Wistar Albino male rats divided into five groups were used. The number of animals in the groups was determined as 8. Then, each group was divided equally into two subgroups due to the days of sacrification. Blood was drawn from each animal in the experimental group. Standard bone defects were prepared for the right angles of all experimental animals. In the control groups, the defect area was closed without any procedure. Animals in the NSAID group received an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 5mg/kg/day diclofenac sodium. Animals in the vitamin C group received an i.p. injection of 200 mg/kg/day vitamin C. Animals in the vitamin C + NSAID group were injected with İ.P. 5mg/kg/day diclofenac sodium and İ.P. 200 mg/kg/day vitamin C. During the sacrification process performed to the all animal groups on the 7th and 21st days, intracardiac blood was taken for biochemical examination and serum MDA, ROS, thiol, FRAP, PK, ALP, TGF-β and osteocalcin levels were checked. Defect areas were examined under a light microscope. As a result, the bone healing was delayed biochemically and histopathologically in NSAIDs applied rats. However, it has been observed that the application of vitamin C, an antioxidant, reduces oxidative damage and has positive effects on bone healing.