Effect of vitamin E on mandibular fracture healing in osteoporotic rats

Vitamin E is known to be a fat-soluble antioxidant that is responsible for maintaining the structure of the cell membrane. It has been reported in the literature that alpha tocopherol supplementation, a subgroup of vitamin E, has a positive effect on early fracture healing in osteoporotic bone fracture. The aim of this study is to stereologically evaluate the effect of vitamin E administration on mandibular fracture healing in osteoporotic rats. The study was performed on 6-8 weeks old 32 female Wistar albino rats, 6 weeks after ovariectomy. A unilateral standard vertical osteotomy was performed on the right side of the mandible, extending from the tooth to the mandibular basis for each animal and the fractures were fixed with special miniplates and screws. The rats were then divided into four groups as K-14, E-14, K- 28 and E-28. E-14 and E-28 groups were given 60 mg/kg vitamin E diluted in olive oil for 14 and 28 days respectively. K-14 and K-28 groups were given olive oil for 14 and 28 days respectively. Animals in groups K-14 and E-14 were euthanized on the 14th day, groups K-28 and E-28 were euthanized on the 28th day after operation. Stereological analyses were performed. New bone area and connective tissue volumes were measured. Stereological analysis showed that group E-14 and E-28 had significantly more new bone at 14 th and 28 th days compared with control groups. Similarly, group E-14 and E-28 had significantly more new connective tissue at 14 th and 28 th days compared with control groups. In conclusion, orally administered vitamin E enhances early bone regeneration on mandibular fracture in rats. It is necessary to investigate the effect of vitamin E on fracture healing in osteoporotic patients and further investigation is needed to use it in clinical practice.