Bone
-
Osteoporosis is a major health problem characterized by compromised bone strength that predisposes patients to an increased risk of fracture, more and more investigations are focusing on the treatment of osteoporotic fracture healing. However, there are few studies elucidating the efficacy of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)), on osteoporotic fracture healing. In the present study we have established an osteoporotic fracture rat model to evaluate the effects of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) on fracture healing. ⋯ At 16 weeks post-fracture, the ultimate load and energy absorption were also higher with the treatment of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) (P<0.01 vs control). Histology showed that the fracture callus in the 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) group was remodeled better compared to the control group. In conclusion, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) could promote fracture healing by improving the histomorphometric parameters, mechanical strength and tendency to increase transformation of woven bone into lamellar bone in an ovariectomized rat model.