Yeast-Incorporated Gallium Promotes Fracture Healing by Increasing Callus Bony Area and Improving Trabecular Microstructure on Ovariectomized Osteopenic Rats

The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of yeast-incorporated gallium on fracture healing in ovariectomized osteopenic rats. Forty Wistar female rats used were divided into three groups: sham-operated rats (SHAM), ovariectomized (OVX) rats, and ovx rats treated with yeast-bound gallium (YG). A standardized fracture-healing model with stable plate fixation was established for rat femoral. After 4-week stable fixation, animals were killed to prepare bones for Micro-CT, biomechanical testing, and histomorphometry. In addition, bone samples were obtained to evaluate the content of mineral substances in bones. Quantitative analysis of the bones from animals in the organic gallium group revealed significantly increased mineral contents compared to bones from OVX and SHAM groups. Micro-CT showed that treatment with yeast-incorporated gallium increased BV/TV and trabecular thickness and decreased trabecular separation in ovx animals. Histomorphometric evaluation demonstrated that YG increased callus area and callus bone formation. Yeast-bound gallium also improved the biomechanical properties of bone healing. In conclusion, this study suggests that yeast-incorporated gallium could promote fracture healing in ovariectomized rats.