Osteocalcin biomarker level evaluation on fracture healing with bone defect after stromal vascular fraction application in murine model

INTRODUCTION: Bone defect (3 mm in murine model) is a condition when the bone tissue cannot undergo a natural healing process caused by severe trauma, tumor, or irradiation. A bone defect is a challenge even for experienced Orthopaedic surgeons. Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) is a heterogeneous cell population derived from adipose tissue that results from minimal manipulation of the adipose tissue itself. Several studies have elucidated the effect of either SVF on bone defect healing. However, to the author's knowledge, there is no study evaluating the effect of SVF application on fracture healing, which was measured with osteocalcin biomarker. This study aims to evaluate the effect of SVF application on bone defect healing measured with osteocalcin as a biomarker of bone healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an animal study involving twelve Wistar strain Rattus norvegivus. They were divided into three groups: negative group (normal rats), positive group (rats with bone defect and treated without SVF application), and SVF group (rats with bone defect and treated with SVF application). After 30 days, the rats were sacrificed, the osteocalcin biomarkers were evaluated. This biomarker was quantified using ELISA. RESULTS: Osteocalcin biomarker expressions were higher in the group treated with SVF application than those without using SVF. All comparisons of the SVF group and positive control group showed significant differences (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: SVF application could aid the healing process in a murine model with bone defect, marked by increased osteocalcin levels.