Local zinc treatment enhances fracture callus properties in diabetic rats

Abstract

The effects of locally applied zinc chloride (ZnCl2) on early and late‐stage parameters of fracture healing were evaluated in a diabetic rat model. Type 1 Diabetes has been shown to negatively impact mechanical parameters of bone as well as biologic markers associated with bone healing. Zinc treatments have been shown to reverse those outcomes in tests of nondiabetic and diabetic animals. This study is the first to assess the efficacy of a noncarrier mediated ZnCl2 on bony healing in diabetic animals. This is a promising basic science approach which may lead to benefits for diabetic patients in the future. Treatment and healing were assessed through quantification of callus zinc, radiographic scoring, microcomputed tomography (µCT), histomorphometry, and mechanical testing. Local ZnCl2 treatment increased callus zinc levels at 1 and 3 days after fracture (p ≤ 0.025). Femur fractures treated with ZnCl2 showed increased mechanical properties after 4 and 6 weeks of healing. Histomorphometry of the ZnCl2‐treated fractures found increased callus cartilage area at Day 7 (p = 0.033) and increased callus bone area at Day 10 (p = 0.038). In contrast, callus cartilage area was decreased (p < 0.01) after 14 days in the ZnCl2‐treated rats. µCT analysis showed increased bone volume in the fracture callus of ZnCl2‐treated rats at 6 weeks (p = 0.0012) with an associated increase in the proportion of µCT voxel axial projections (Z‐rays) spanning the fracture site. The results suggest that local ZnCl2 administration improves callus chondrogenesis leading to greater callus bone formation and improved fracture healing in diabetic rats.

Carnosine, Zinc and Copper: A Menage a Trois in Bone and Cartilage Protection

“…Trace metals, such as copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), are essential for skeleton health and regeneration [4]. Bone and cartilage are influenced by Zn 2+ and Cu 2+ ions that regulate the tissues' formation, metabolism, and homeostasis under physiological conditions [5][6][7]. Changes to the normal trace metal levels can alter bone turnover, increasing the risk of fractures.…”