Generation and histomorphometric evaluation of a novel fluvastatin-containing poly(lactic- co -glycolic acid) membrane for guided bone regeneration

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a poly(lactic- co -glycolic acid) (PLGA) membrane containing fluvastatin on bone regeneration at bone defects in rat calvaria and tibia for possible use as a guided bone regeneration (GBR) membrane. PLGA and fluvastatin-containing PLGA (PLGA–fluvastatin) membranes were prepared and mechanical properties were evaluated. Standardized bony defects were created in rat calvaria and the right tibia, and covered with a PLGA or PLGA–fluvastatin membrane. Bone regeneration was evaluated using image analysis based on histologic examination. At 4 and 8 weeks after membrane implantation, the PLGA–fluvastatin group displayed enhanced new bone formation around the edge of the defect compared with the PLGA membrane group in the calvarial model. Thick bone regeneration was observed in tibia-defect sites in the PLGA–fluvastatin membrane group. These results suggest that the PLGA-containing fluvastatin membrane prepared in this study may potentially be used as a GBR membrane.