Statin-induced osteogenesis uses in orthodontics: a scientific review

Abstract

This article summarizes the current research behind the use of statin to induce bone formation and relates that to potential uses in the field of orthodontics. It triggered BMP-2 expression in in vitro studies. In an in vivo study, the amount of new bone formed by statin mixed with a collagen carrier was quantitatively assessed and results showed that 308% more new bone was formed in defects grafted with statin than those grafted with the carrier alone. Immunolocalization studies on the early healing of the defects grafted with statin showed VEGF, BMP-2, Cbfa 1 expression, and new bone formation occurred 1 day earlier than those grafted with the carrier alone. Since statin is a commonly prescribed drug, it has great potential to be used routinely in bone grafting in the craniofacial region.