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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
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Transverse Fracture of the Mouse Femur with Stabilizing Pin
Published on: December 29, 2021
Sildenafil accelerates fracture healing in mice
Tina Histing1, Kerstin Marciniak, Claudia Scheuer
1Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany. tina.histing@uks.eu
Summary
Sildenafil accelerates bone fracture healing by enhancing bone formation and increasing osseous bridging. This study reveals a novel therapeutic potential for sildenafil in promoting fracture repair through a CYR61-associated pathway.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Regenerative Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, stimulates angiogenesis by modulating pro-angiogenic factors and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels.
- Its potential role in bone healing and angiogenic growth factor expression remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of sildenafil on fracture healing, focusing on angiogenic growth factor expression and bone formation.
- To determine if sildenafil influences the process of bone repair in a murine fracture model.
Main Methods:
- A murine closed femur fracture model was employed.
- Radiological, biomechanical, histomorphometric, and protein biochemical analyses were conducted at 2 and 5 weeks post-fracture.
- Mice received daily oral administration of sildenafil (5 mg/kg) or vehicle.
Main Results:
- Sildenafil significantly enhanced osseous fracture bridging and biomechanical stiffness at 2 weeks post-fracture.
- A smaller callus area and reduced cartilaginous tissue suggested accelerated healing.
- Western blot analysis revealed significantly higher expression of cysteine-rich protein 61 (CYR61), a pro-angiogenic and osteogenic factor.
Conclusions:
- Sildenafil treatment accelerates fracture healing by enhancing bone formation.
- The pro-healing effects are likely mediated through a CYR61-associated pathway.
- Sildenafil demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for improving bone fracture repair.
