Modulation of Osteoprotegerin Expression by Chicken Feet Collagen–Chitosan Combination in Wistar Rats: An In vivo Experimental Study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Bone regeneration is a regulated process involving osteoblast and osteoclast activity. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) plays a key role by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and maintaining the balance between bone formation and resorption. Natural biomaterials such as collagen and chitosan are widely studied for their biocompatibility and bioactivity; however, evidence on the combined use of chicken feet-derived collagen and shrimp shell chitosan remains limited. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of chicken feet collagen, shrimp shell chitosan, and their combination on OPG expression in the mandibular bone of Wistar rats. Subjects and Methods: A posttest-only in vivo experimental design was conducted using 24 male Wistar rats randomly assigned to four groups: control, collagen, chitosan, and collagen–chitosan combination, with observation periods of 21 and 28 days postsurgery. Treatments were administered orally once daily. Mandibular bone samples were collected, and OPG expression was analyzed using immunohistochemistry. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test followed by Mann–Whitney U test post hoc tests. Results: The results showed a significant difference in OPG expression among groups ( P = 0.004). The combination group demonstrated the highest OPG expression, significantly higher than the control group ( P < 0.01). No significant difference was observed between the 21- and 28-day combination groups ( P > 0.05). Conclusion: The combination of chicken feet collagen and shrimp shell chitosan synergistically enhances OPG expression, indicating its potential as a sustainable biomaterial for bone regeneration

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