Changes in macrophage and inflammatory cytokine expressions during fracture healing in an ovariectomized mice model

Abstract Background Macrophages and inflammatory cytokines play important roles in bone fracture healing. However, the expression patterns of macrophages during healing under condition postmenopausal osteoporosis have not been fully revealed. Methods Tibia transverse was established 12 weeks after ovariectomy or sham operation 16-week old female mice. Tibias were harvested before 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, 28 days for radiological histological examinations. M1/M2 macrophages, osteal gene expressions tumor necrosis factor-?, interleukin-6, interleukin-1? macrophage conversion related molecules haematoma callus also detected. Results The processes healing, especially phases endochondral ossification remodeling, delayed ovariectomized factor-? but interleukin-1?, disturbed. Expressions decreased at 14 21 post-fracture (DPF), increased 5 7 DPF. Interleukin-6 3 DPF significantly increased. We found decreases M1 M2 1 initial stage. middle stage late stages reduced Conclusions impaired mice, which might contribute partially to poor