Systemic Delivery of Free Chitosan Accelerates Femur Fracture Healing in Rats

Background Chitosan-containing compounds have been shown to be suitable for bone replacement, but few studies demonstrate the impact of the chitosan as free drug on the fracture.In this study, we aimed to evaluate possible effects free of chitosan on fracture healing. Materials and Methods Standardized femur fractures were created in 30 adult S-D rats. Treatments were administered intraperitoneally twice weekly at 1 mg chitosan per injection and control group rats were administered physiological saline. The site of the fracture was compared with the control group at 1, 2 and 4 weeks after surgery (n=5 in each group). The weight, activity and reaction of the rats were observed at all the timepoints. Anterior–posterior radiographs and micro-CT (micro- computed tomography) scans of all fractures were taken. After sacrifice, sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin for histological evaluation of healing. Result Radiological (X-ray and micro-CT) evaluation showed that fracture healing of the experimental group was better than control group at the second week and fourth week. Histological evaluation revealed fracture healing of the experimental group was better at the same time. There was no statistically significant difference in fracture healing between the two groups in the first week. Conclusion Systemic delivery of free chitosan can accelerate the bone healing process in rat femur fracture at the early-middle stage