Effects of Curcumin on Alveolar Bone Loss in Experimental Periodontitis in Rats: A Morphometric and Histopathologic Study.

Background: Curcumin is found in the rhizomes of the turmeric plant that has been showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of systemic curcumin therapy on alveolar bone loss in an experimental periodontitis model in rats. Material and Methods: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided to 4 groups: 75 mg/kg/daily curcumin (C75; n =8), 150 mg/kg/daily curcumin (C150; n =8), Control (n =8), and Ligated (n =8). Curcumin was administrated using gastric gavage. After 12 days, the rats were sacrificed. Right mandibles samples were histopathologically examined. Alveolar bone loss was measured. Interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß) and interleukin 10 (IL-10) were evaluated in the serum samples and gingival homogenates. Results: The measurements of alveolar bone loss in the mandibular molars revealed significantly higher bone-loss values in the Ligated group than the Control, C75 and C150 groups. The IL-1ß levels in the gingival homogenates were significantly increased in the Ligated group compared to those of the Control, C75 and C150 groups. The serum IL-1ß levels in the Ligated group were significantly higher than the Control group. The mean osteoblast numbers in the Ligated group were lower than those of the Control, C75 and C150 groups. The C150 groups showed significantly more osteoblasts than the Control group. The osteoclast numbers in the Ligated group increased significantly compared to the C75, C150 and control groups. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that systemic administration of curcumin at the 75 and 150mg/kg doses reduced alveolar bone loss in the periodontal disease in rats. Keywords: Alveolar bone loss, Antioxidant, Curcumin, Ligature-induced, Histomorphometric, Micronutrition.

The histopathological and morphometric investigation of the effects of systemically administered boric acid on alveolar bone loss in ligature-induced periodontitis in diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of systemically administered boric acid on alveolar bone loss, histopathological changes and oxidant/antioxidant status in ligature-induced periodontitis in diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four Wistar rats were divided into six experimental groups: (1) non-ligated (NL, n = 6) group, (2) ligature only (LO, n = 6) group, (3) Streptozotocin only (STZ, n = 8) group, (4) STZ and ligature (STZ+LO, n = 8) group, (5) STZ, ligature and systemic administration of 15 mg/kg/day boric acid for 15 days (BA15, n = 8) group and (6) STZ, ligature and systemic administration of 30 mg/kg/day boric acid for 15 days (BA30, n = 8) group. Diabetes mellitus was induced by 60 mg/kg streptozotocin. Silk ligatures were placed at the gingival margin of lower first molars of the mandibular quadrant. The study duration was 15 days after diabetes induction and the animals were sacrificed at the end of this period. Changes in alveolar bone levels were clinically measured and tissues were histopathologically examined. Serum total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) levels and oxidative stress index (OSI) were evaluated. Primary outcome was alveolar bone loss. Seconder outcome (osteoblast number) was also measured. RESULTS: At the end of 15 days, the alveolar bone loss was significantly higher in the STZ+LO group compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in alveolar bone loss between the STZ+LO 15 mg/kg boric acid and STZ+LO 30 mg/kg boric acid groups (p > 0.05). Systemically administered boric acid significantly decreased alveolar bone loss compared to the STZ+LO group (p < 0.05). The osteoblast number in the BA30 group was significantly higher than those of the NL, STZ and STZ+LO groups (p < 0.05). Inflammatory cell infiltration was significantly higher in the STZ+LO group the other groups (p < 0.05). Serum TAS levels were significantly higher in the NL and LO groups than the other groups (p < 0.05). The differences in TOS levels were not found to be significant among all the groups (p > 0.05). The OSI values of the BA30 group were significantly lower than the STZ+LO group (p < 0.05). Also, the differences in serum calcium and magnesium levels were insignificant among the all groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this study, it can be suggested that BA, when administered systemically, may reduce alveolar bone loss in the diabetic rat model.

Histopathological evaluation of the effects of fiber reinforced acrylic resins on living tissues.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was the histopathological evaluation of the effects of the fiber reinforced acrylic resins on living tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed on 21 rabbits. Three groups, each including seven subjects, were formed. There was no applied plate in the control group. For the second group, heat-polymerized acrylic resin plates were inserted. For the third group, heat-polymerized acrylic resin plates containing proportionally 5% chopped silanated E type glass fiber were inserted. Plates were fixed to the palatine bone of the rabbits with titanium screws. Before the implementation of the plates and 1 month after the plates were applied, soft tissue samples were taken from the buccal mucosa of the rabbits. Also, tissue samples were taken from the control group. All samples were evaluated histopathologically. RESULTS: In the control group, only a focal atrophy was observed. In the acrylic group, large decomposition containing erythrocytes under the parahyperkeratotic region and micro-vesicle like spongiotic tissue reactions were observed. In the fiber reinforced acrylic group, widespread focal atrophy, bulgy look of the epithelium cells similar to apoptosis, over-distension and sub-corneal decomposition had been observed. In terms of atrophy and hyperkeratosis there were no statistically significant differences among groups. However, in respect to sub-corneal decomposition, there was a statistically significant difference in the fiber reinforced group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The statistically significant difference in the sub-corneal decomposition of the fiber reinforced group had made us think that fiber edges had a traumatic effect on the reaction.

Protective effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on ligature-induced periodontitis in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the systemic administration of extract of Ginkgo biloba (EGb) would prevent excessive tissue destruction in ligature-induced periodontitis in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats were used in the current study. The rats were randomly divided into four groups of eight rats each: (1) non-ligated treatment (NL) group, (2) ligature-only (LO) group, (3) ligature plus GB28 (28 mg/kg, daily for 11 days) group and (4) ligature plus GB56 (56 mg/kg, daily for 11 days) group. RESULTS: Measurement of alveolar bone loss in the mandibular molar tooth revealed significantly lower bone loss values in the LO group compared to groups NL, GB28 and GB56 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present results are the first data which suggests that host response in periodontitis can be modified by EGb administration. EGb minimized progression of periodontal disease.

Neoplasms of the salivary glands in a Turkish adult population.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study aimed to investigate the types and distribution of neoplasm of salivary glands in a Turkish population. STUDY DESIGN: The histological diagnosis records of the Department of Pathology at Cumhuriyet University were reevaluated for 125 patients who were treated for salivary gland tumors from 1987 to 2008. The neoplasms were analyzed for histological diagnosis, age, sex, and site. The histological diagnoses were analyzed according to the 2005 WHO classification. RESULTS: A total of 125 primary salivary gland neoplasms, consisting of 95 (76%) benign and 30 (24%) malignant groups were recorded. The most common major and minor salivary gland sites were the parotid (61.6%) and palatal glands (9.6%), respectively. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most frequent benign tumor followed by Warthin's tumor. Among the malignant group, adenoid cystic carcinoma was the most prevalent. Age for all cases ranged from 16-80 years; mean age was 41.97 years, with a female to male ratio of 1:1.15. CONCLUSIONS: Although there were some discrepancies, the characteristics of salivary gland tumors of Turkish patients are in line with those of patients from other countries according to tumor type, tumor site distribution, and age and sex of patients.

Dramatic oral findings belonging to a pica patient: a case report.

Pica is a compulsive eating of non-nutritive substances and can have serious medical implications. The causes are not known, but the symptom is often associated iron-deficiency. Pica is an under-diagnosed problem. Although few dental problems associated with pica have been reported, because of its potential impact on blood measures, dental professionals must be aware of this common, but commonly missed, condition. This is an unusual case of a patient diagnosed with aggressive periodontitis (AgP) who had a dirt eating habit (geophagia) and was diagnosed as having pica.

Humic Acid, a Polyphenolic Substance, Decreases Alveolar Bone Loss in Experimental Periodontitis in Rats.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biochemical, morphometric, and histopathological changes associated with experimental periodontitis in rats in response to local administration of humic acid. Thirty-eight Wistar rats were divided into 5 experimental groups: nonligated (NL) group, ligature-only (LO) group, and ligature + local administration of humic acid (20, 80, and 150 mg/kg body weight per day for 15 days, respectively; L-20, L-80, and L-150 groups). Changes in alveolar bone levels were clinically measured as the distance from the cementoenamel junction to the alveolar bone crest with a stereomicroscope. Tissues were histopathologically examined to assess the osteoclast numbers, osteoblastic activity, and inflammatory cell infiltration among the study groups. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay interleukin1ß (IL-1ß) and IL-10 levels in serum and gingival homogenates were evaluated. At the end of 15 days, the alveolar bone loss was significantly higher in the LO group compared to the NL, L-20, and L-150 groups (P < .05). The osteoclast number in the LO group was significantly higher than the NL, L-20, and L-150 groups (P < .05). Inflammatory cell infiltration was significantly higher in the LO and L-80 groups than the other groups (P < .05). The highest serum and gingival homogenate IL-10 levels were determined in the NL group (P < .05). The serum and gingival homogenate IL-1ß levels in LO group were significantly higher than the NL, L-20, and L-150 groups (P < .05). Within the limits of this study, it can be suggested that humic acid, when administered locally at 20 and 80 mg/kg doses, may prevent alveolar bone loss in the rat model.

Relation of microvessel density with microvascular invasion, metastasis and prognosis in renal cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the significance of microvessel density (MVD) in a retrospective investigation the relationship between the pattern of MVD (reflecting angiogenesis), and tumour stage, grade, size, and occurrence of microvessel invasion (MVI), metastasis, and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients who had surgery for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Vessels were labelled in sections of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from 54 RCCs by CD34 immunohistochemistry. The mean MVD, expressed as the number of vessels per 10 high-power fields (HPF, x400) were measured for each case. In addition, all pathological slides were reviewed for the presence and absence of MVI. The prognostic value of MVD and MVI was then evaluated, and correlated with the usual prognostic variables, tumour metastasis and CSS. RESULTS: In a univariate analysis of CSS, the MDV tended to be lower as stage increased from pT1 to pT3, and as grade increased from G1 to G4, although it was statistically significant only for stage (P < 0.001 and 0.050, respectively). The mean MVD was higher in 42 nonmetastatic than in 12 metastatic tumours, and in 33 tumours associated with MVI than in 21 with no MVI (P < 0.001). The mean MVD was also lower and significantly different for 28 large than 26 small tumours (P = 0.005). The survival rate of patients with tumours that were small, low-stage, of higher MVD, with no MVI and metastasis was significantly higher than that of patients with large, high-stage, low MVD, with MVI and metastatic tumours (all P < 0.001). MVI was significantly more common with a decreasing trend in MVD and the presence of metastasis (Spearman rank correlation r(s) = -0.68, P = 0.01, and r(s) = 0.39, P = 0.01, respectively). Independent prognostic factors in a multivariate analysis were: in all patients with RCC, tumour stage (P = 0.013) and metastasis (P = 0.028); in those with low MVD, MVI (P = 0.004) and metastases (P = 0.016); in those with no MVI, stage (P = 0.020); in those with MVI, MVD (P = 0.001); in those with no metastases, stage (P = 0.045); and in those with metastases, MVD (P < 0.001). No independent predictor was identified in patients with high MVD. In patients with no metastases there was a significantly shorter median CSS time in RCCs with low MVD and with MVI (P = 0.004 for both). Similarly, patients who had grade 3-4 tumours, vs those with lower MVD and with MVI, had a significantly shorter median CSS (P = 0.020 for MVD, and 0.01 for MVI). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that MVD in RCC was inversely associated with MVI, tumour metastasis, patient survival and tumour diameter and stage, from the usual prognostic variables, but MVD was not an independent prognostic factor in multivariate analysis for all patients with RCC. Low MVD and the presence of MVI appears to be a marker for identifying patients with an adverse prognosis.

[A case of severe rhinophyma]. / Ileri derecede rinofima: Olgu sunumu.

Rhinophyma is a benign disease of the nasal skin causing cosmetic and functional disturbances. Its etiology remains uncertain. Surgery is the most common treatment of choice. A 55-year-old man with severe rhinophyma was treated with total excision of the involved tissue and sebaceous glands, and the defect was reconstructed with full-thickness skin graft. No recurrence was seen during a two-year follow-up period, and cosmetic and functional outcome was satisfactory.

Epidermoid cyst of the buccal mucosa: a case report.

AIM: The purpose of this article is to describe a rare case of an epidermoid cyst in the buccal cheek region and a review of the literature. BACKGROUND: Dermoid and epidermoid cysts are developmental pathologies occurring in the head and neck region with an incidence ranging from 1.6% to 6.9%, and both cysts reported in less than 0.01% of all oral cavity cysts. REPORT: A rare case of an epidermoid cyst originating from the buccal mucosa in a 38-year-old woman with a complaint of swelling and facial asymmetry in the left cheek just distal to the commissure for six months is presented in this report.

Investigating the Effects of Systemically Administered Strontium Ranelate on Alveolar Bone Loss Histomorphometrically and Histopathologically on Experimental Periodontitis in Rats.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate effects of strontium ranelate (SR) on alveolar bone loss (ABL) in rats with experimental periodontitis. METHODS: Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: 1) control (n = 8); 2) ligated (n = 8); 3) 300 mg/kg SR (SR300, n = 8); 4) 625 mg/kg SR (SR625, n = 8); and 5) 900 mg/kg SR (SR900, n = 8). To create experimental periodontitis, 4/0 silk ligatures were inserted submarginally around first molars at the right mandible. After 11 days, rats were sacrificed. ABL was calculated by measuring cemento-enamel junction and alveolar crest distance. Interleukin (IL)-1ß, osteoprotegerin (OPG), and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) serum levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Histopathologic analysis was used to evaluate inflammatory cell infiltration, numbers of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) activity. RESULTS: ABL was significantly lower in SR900 group than in the ligated group (P <0.05). Osteoclast numbers in ligated group were significantly higher than in the control, SR300, and SR900 groups (P <0.05). In ligated, SR625, and SR900 groups, significantly higher osteoblast numbers were detected than in control group (P <0.05). Osteoblast numbers in SR625 group were significantly higher than in the SR300 group (P <0.05). RANKL activities in SR900 and control groups were close to each other (P >0.05). Serum IL-1ß, OPG, and BALP levels revealed no significant difference (P >0.05). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that SR can reduce RANKL activity and osteoclast numbers, as well as ABL.

The effect of boron on alveolar bone loss in osteoporotic rats.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of systemically administered boric acid on osteoporosis-related bone alterations, alveolar bone loss, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-b ligand (RANKL) expressions, and mandibular bone density in experimental periodontitis model in osteoporotic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six male Wistar rats were separated into five study groups: nonligated control (C, n = 6) group; periodontitis (P, n = 6) group; osteoporosis (O, n = 8) group; osteoporosis + periodontitis (O+P, n = 8) group, and osteoporosis + periodontitis with 50 mg/kg/d boric acid (BA50, n = 8) group for 15 days. Osteoporosis was created with intraperitoneal injection of 80 mg/kg retinoic acid for 15 days. Silk ligatures (4/0) were placed around the mandibular right first molar teeth to induce experimental periodontitis. After induction of osteoporosis and periodontitis, rats were sacrificed at Day 15. Alveolar bone loss was evaluated with a stereomicroscope by measuring the distance from the cement-enamel junction to the alveolar crest. Density measurements were performed on radiographs. RANKL and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining were performed on histological slides. RESULTS: Alveolar bone loss was significantly higher in the O+P group than those of the other groups (P < 0.05). Boric acid decreased bone loss (P < 0.05). TRAP + osteoclast numbers were highest in the P group and lowest in the control group. The differences in TRAP + osteoclast numbers among control, P, O+P, and BA50 groups were significant (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in RANKL expression and mandibular bone density (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Within limitations of this study, we conclude that boric acid may decrease alveolar bone loss in a rat model with periodontitis and osteoporosis.

Comparative effects of riboflavin, nicotinamide and folic acid on alveolar bone loss: A morphometric and histopathologic study in rats.

Introduction: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory and osteolytic disease. Vitamin B complex is a class of water-soluble vitamins that play important roles in cell metabolism. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of riboflavin (RBF), nicotinamide (NA), and folic acid (FA) on alveolar bone loss in experimental periodontitis rat model. Methods: Sixty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the following eight groups: Control, Ligated, RBF50 (RBF, 50 mg/kg daily), NA50 (NA, 50 mg/kg daily), FA50 (FA, 50 mg/kg daily), RBF100 (RBF, 100 mg/kg daily), NA100 (NA, 100 mg/kg daily), and FA100 (FA, 100 mg/kg daily). Periodontitis was induced using silk ligature around the right first mandibular molar. After 11 days the rats were sacrificed. Mandible and serum samples were collected. Changes in alveolar bone levels were measured clinically, and periodontal tissues were examined histopathologically. Serum IL-1ß (pg/ml) levels were analyzed by using ELISA. Results: Mean alveolar bone loss in the mandibular first molar tooth revealed to be significantly lower in RBF100 group than in the Control group. In the Ligated group, alveolar bone loss was significantly higher than in all other groups. The ratio of presence of inflammatory cell infiltration in the Ligated group was significantly higher than in the Control group. The differences in the serum IL-1ß levels between the groups were not statistically significant. Osteoclasts that were observed in the Ligated group were significantly higher than those of the Control and FA100 groups. The osteoblastic activity in the Ligated group, RBF100, and NA100 groups were shown to be significantly higher than those in the Control group. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that systemic administration of RBF, NA, and FA in different dosages (50­100 mg/kg) reduced alveolar bone loss in periodontal disease in rats.

Lipoma arborescens; successfully treated by yttrium-90 radiosynovectomy.

Although radiosynovectomy (RS) applications have been carried out for many years, clinical indications of this non-invasive procedure is thought to be limited probably due to the lack of information of clinicians. Clinicians' preferential indication for RS is the treatment-resistant synovitis of individual joints, i.e. despite systemic pharmacotherapy and intra-articular steroid injections. We present here a case of "lipoma arborescens" treated by yttrium-90, which is a rare intra-articular lesion characterized by villous proliferation of the synovial membrane and hyperplasia of subsynovial fat. The results of clinical, biochemical and hematological examinations, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, arthroscopy and histological analysis have shown that the etiology was lipoma arborescens in a female patient, aged 36 having swelling and sometimes associating pain at her right knee for 4 years. We have applied to our patient's right knee RS with 185 MBq yttrium-90 colloid together with 40 mg of methylprednisolone acetate, although in our literature survey we have not met any similar case being treated with such indication. Even a year after the application, the patient has absolutely benefited from the treatment clinically, and this was also confirmed by comparative MR images (pre- and post-treatment). Consequently, we consider that Y-90 treatment might be applicable in suitable cases with lipoma arborescens.

Lymphoma in the infraorbital region.

BACKGROUND: B-cell lymphomas are rare neoplasms in the oral cavity. They are significant to dentists because the oral complications associated with treatment mean that dentists can play an important role in their detection. CASE DESCRIPTION: The authors describe the case of a 55-year-old man with nonhealing ulcers, swelling and pain six months after maxillary left canine extraction. As it occurred in the infraorbital region after canine tooth extraction, the authors suspected B-cell lymphoma. Clinical examination revealed infraorbital edema with regional submandibular lymphadenopathy. Intraoral examination revealed a nonhealing ulceration with ill-defined borders in the surrounding mucosa. It was 5- x 5-centimeters in diameter and gray-white. The histopathologic examination showed diffuse, atypical, lymphoid cell infiltration and immuno-histochemically positive staining. After the histopathologic examination, the authors referred the patient to a medical center for treatment. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Dentists should look for signs of B-cell lymphoma when a patient has extended pain and swelling after an extraction.

Epigenetic inactivation of tumor suppressor SFRP2 and point mutation in KRAS proto-oncogene in fistula-associated mucinous type anal adenocarcinoma: report of two cases.

The secreted frizzled-related proteins (SFRPs) genes are unmethylated in normal colorectal mucosa tissue but aberrant methylation profiles can be detected in colorectal cancer (CRC), adenomas, and in aberrant crypt foci. The aim of the current study was to clarify whether SFRP2 methylation and K-ras structural mutation in fecal DNA can be found in stool and tumoral tissues of individuals with fistula-associated mucinous type anal adenocarcinomas (MTAA).Two man patients (68 and 56 years old) were treated for anorectal fistula in the surgical department. Patients were evaluated for clinical findings, tumoural tissue samples were examined histopathologically and DNA from fecal and tumoral tissue samples were isolated. K-ras mutation and promoter hypermethylation of SFRP2 gene in tumoral tissues were assessed by methylation-specific PCR based stripAssay hybridisation technique (Me-PCR) and compared to the healthy controls. Fecal and tumoural tissue samples from both patients were found to be fully hypermethylated profiles for SFRP2 gene and combined point mutations were detected in codon 12 and 13 of K-ras proto-oncogene. The current results showed that the combined effects of somatic mutations in K-ras and epigenetic alterations in SFRP2 genes may play an active role in the development of mucinous type anal adenocarcinoma.

Genetic analysis of intraoral KIT-positive gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), mesenchymal neoplasms originating from the cells of Cajal, usually appear in the gastrointestinal tract and abdomen. They often mimic other lesions, including smooth muscle cell tumors and neurogenic tumors. This study presents a case in which a GIST appeared over a 2-month period and was treated by excision and curettage, with no sign of recurrence during the next 42 months. The study also aims to characterize the GIST. Histopathologic analysis and KIT gene amplification and sequencing were performed. On mutation analysis of the GIST material, the novel 69338Tdel mutation was found in exon 11, and the diagnosis of intraoral stromal tumor was made. GISTs in the intraoral region display pathologic properties similar to others developed throughout the gastrointestinal system. Diagnosis is the first step of treatment for a patient. The discovery of oncogenic KIT mutations in GISTs has led to the development of targeted molecular therapy using tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This study investigates the histopathologic and molecular diagnostics of GISTs, and, to the authors' knowledge, it represents the first genetic study of a GIST developing in the intraoral region.

Large complex odontoma associated with a primary tooth.

Odontomas are developmental malformations of dental tissues, and they may interfere with the eruption of the associated tooth. Odontomas have limited growth potential, and their occurrence in the primary dentition is uncommon. This article describes a case of a large complex odontoma in a 5.2-year-old boy that prevented eruption of the mandibular left lateral incisor. The odontoma was surgically removed, routine follow-up was done for more than a year, and no recurrence was seen.

Effect of local simvastatin application on mandibular defects.

Osteoinductive characteristics of bone grafts are important for enhancing osseous healing at grafted defect sites. The cholesterol-lowering drug simvastatin has been shown to stimulate bone formation by increasing the gene expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of local simvastatin application on bone defect healing and compare the amount of new bone produced by simvastatin gelatin sponge graft with that produced by a gelatin sponge graft and with natural healing. Twenty-one bone defects at 3 mm diameter were created in the angulus mandible region of Wistar albino rats. In the experimental group, nine defects were grafted with simvastatin dissolved in water mixed with a gelatin sponge. In the control groups, eight defects were grafted with water mixed with a gelatin sponge alone (active control) and six were left empty (passive control). Animals were killed on day 14 and the defects were prepared for radiologic and histologic assessment. Density of the regenerate was evaluated by peripheral quantitative computed tomography. The density of the experimental group was 240% more than the passive control group and 190% more than the active control group (P < 0.01). Histologic examination also showed more new bone formation in the experimental group than control groups. In conclusion, the simvastatin gelatin sponge enhanced bone defect healing in the mandible of rats.