Gene expression analysis of cytokines and MMPs in melatonin and rhBMP-2 enhanced bone remodeling

In the medical and dental fields, there is a need for studies of new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of bone defects that cause extensive bone loss. Melatonin may be an important endogenous biological factor for bone remodeling, and growth factors may enhance the repair process.

To evaluate the gene expression of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α), markers of osteoclastogenesis (RANK, RANKL and OPG) and MMPs (MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-8 and MMP-13) from the treatment of melatonin associated with an osteogenic membrane and rhBMP-2 on the recovery of a bone injury.

Sixty-four rats were used and divided into 9 experimental groups and were formed according to the treatment carried out in the region of the bone lesion, which varied between the combination of 1, 10 and 100 μmol/L of melatonin. Gene Expression analysis was performed using real time-PCR by reading the concentration of total RNA and reverse transcription.

There were differences between groups when compared with clot or scaffold control, and improvement with a higher concentration of melatonin or rhBMP-2. The combination melatonin (1 µg) with 5 μg of rhBMP-2, using the guided bone regeneration technique, demonstrated some effects, albeit mild, on bone repair of critical bone defects.

This indicates that the approach for administering these substances needs to be reassessed, with the goal of ensuring their direct application to the affected area. Therefore, future research must be carried out, seeking to produce materials with these ideal characteristics.