GYY4137 Promotes Bone Formation in a Rabbit Distraction Osteogenesis Model: A Preliminary Report

Purpose Hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) has been shown to enhance bone formation, but its osteogenic effect is unclarified during distraction osteogenesis (DO). This study tested the hypothesis that H2 S could promote bone formation in a rabbit mandibular DO model. Materials and Methods Unilateral mandibular lengthening was achieved in 26 rabbits. During the distraction and the first week of consolidation, saline 0.2 mL or saline 0.2 mL and GYY4137 (H2 S donor, 50 mg/kg) was injected intravenously twice a day. Distracted mandibles were examined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, histology, computed tomography, and a 3-point bending test 8 weeks after distraction. Results The GYY4137-treated animals presented a greater response as measured by bone mineral density and mechanical properties and a more mature microstructure of the lengthened mandibles compared with the saline-treated control animals. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that H2 S can accelerate osteogenesis during DO.