Vitamin D3 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have beneficial effects on fracture union in an experimental rat model.

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the influences of vitamin D3 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on fracture union in rats radiologically, histologically, and biomechanically. Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats (mean weight: 435±31.15 g; range, 398 to 510 g) were indiscriminately separated into four groups, with 12 rats in each: Group 1 was the control group, Group 2 received vitamin D3, Group 3 received omega-3 PUFA, and Group 4 received both vitamin D3 and omega-3 PUFA. One day after surgery, only one intramuscular dose of 50,000 IU/kg vitamin D3 was administered to Group 2. From the first postoperative day until sacrification, 300 mg/kg omega-3 PUFA by oral feeding was administered to Group 3. In Group 4, both an intramuscular dose of 50,000 IU/kg vitamin D3 on the initial postoperative day and 300 mg/kg omega-3 PUFA were administered by oral feeding until sacrification. All rats were sacrificed by intracardiac potassium injection at the sixth postoperative week, and radiological, biomechanical, and histological studies were conducted. According to the radiological scores, the best scores were obtained in Group 4, and callus density and ossification were advanced in Groups 2 and 3 compared to Group 1. There was no statistically significant distinction between Groups 3 and 4, while a significant distinction was found between Group 4 and Groups 1 and 2. Biomechanically, the advanced values were attained in Groups 1 and 3. However, there was no statistically significant distinction among the groups. Histologically, although the advanced scores were attained in Groups 3 and 4, there was no statistically significant distinction among the groups. The use of omega-3 PUFA together with vitamin D3 might have beneficial influences on fracture union. In the future, the combination of omega-3 PUFA and vitamin D3 might be used as an encouraging treatment choice that contributes to fracture healing.