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Low-dose X-irradiation promotes mineralization of fracture callus in a rat model

  • Basic Science
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Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objectives

This study investigated the hypothesized beneficial effect of low-dose irradiation (LDI) on fracture callus mineralization in a rat model.

Methods

Seventy-two male Sprague–Dawley rats were averagely randomized into LDI group (rats treated with LDI) and SHAM group (rats treated with sham irradiation). Right after either LDI or sham irradiation, a standardized closed fracture on the right femur was established. At 2, 3 and 4 weeks postfracture, 12 rats in each group were euthanized. Fracture callus was assessed by using radiography and MicroCT for callus bridging, peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) for quantifying bone mineral content (BMC) and cross sectional area (CSA), confocal laser scanning microscopy for measuring area fraction of fluorescence labeling (AFFL) and four-point bending test for examining mechanical properties.

Results

The CSA and AFFL were found to be 22 and 33% smaller in the LDI group compared to the SHAM group at 2 weeks (P < 0.05 for both), whereas the BMC and AFFL were 15 and 34% higher in the LDI group at 3 weeks (P < 0.05 for both). The changing patterns were consistent with the findings in 3-D MicroCT reconstructions. The mechanical parameters (Max-Load, Stiffness and Energy) were also 18, 30 and 24% higher in the LDI group than in the SHAM group at 3 weeks (P < 0.05 for all). At 4 weeks, there was no difference found for all assessments between the two groups.

Conclusion

The results indicated LDI promoted mineralization at the stage of hard callus formation in a rat fracture model.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Mrs. Yang Xiao Hong for assistance on confocal laser scanning, Dr. Yeung Hiu Yan for MicroCT support, Prof. Cheung Wing Hoi for constructive advice on project arrangement and Dr. Lee Kwong Man for discussion on and interpretation for some of the research findings. This project was supported by the Research Grant of General Equipment Department of P.L.A. in China (No. 616010305) and Hong Kong Contemporary Orthopaedic Research and Education Fund (COREF).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Suzhou University, Suzhou, China

    Xiao Zhong Zhou & Qi Rong Dong

  2. Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China

    Xiao Zhong Zhou, Ge Zhang, Chun Wai Chan & Ling Qin

  3. Medical Center of Nuclear Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Suzhou University, Suzhou, China

    Chun Feng Liu

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  1. Xiao Zhong Zhou
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Correspondence to Ling Qin.

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Zhou, X.Z., Zhang, G., Dong, Q.R. et al. Low-dose X-irradiation promotes mineralization of fracture callus in a rat model. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 129, 125–132 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-008-0634-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-008-0634-6

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