Fracture healing is a complex process of many coordinated biological
pathways. This system can go awry resulting in nonunion, which leads to
significant patient morbidity. The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is
upregulated in fracture healing. We hypothesized that the Hh signaling pathway
can be pharmacologically modulated to positively affect fracture healing.
Diaphyseal femur fractures were created in elderly mice (18 months, C57BL/6
females), which have a blunted and delayed healing response compared to younger
mice, and were stabilized with intramedullary pins. To activate the Hh pathway
we targeted the receptor Smoothened using an agonist (Hh-Ag1.5 [Hh-Ag]) and
compared this to a vehicle control. Expression of Hh target genes were
significantly increased in the fracture callus of the agonist group compared to
controls, indicating pathway activation. Expression of osteogenic and
chondrogenic-related genes was greatly upregulated in fracture callus vs. intact
femora, although Hh agonist treatment did not consistently enhance this
response. Blindly graded, radiographic callus healing scores were significantly
higher in the Hh-Ag groups at post operative day (POD) 14, indicating earlier
callus bridging. On microCT, Hh-Ag treatment led to greater callus volume (+40%)
and bone volume (+25%) at POD21. By day 14, callus vascularity, as assessed by
3D microCT angiography vessel volume, was 85% greater in the Hh-Ag group.
Finally, mechanical strength of the calluses in the Hh-Ag groups was
significantly greater than in the control groups at POD21. In conclusion,
systemic administration of a Hh agonist appears to improve the osseous and
vascular healing responses in a mouse fracture healing-impaired model.