Induction to etilic alcohol intake delays the healing process posfracture in rats

Abstract

The excessive ingestion of spirits cause metabolic and pathologic changes in different organic systems. In the bone it is known that alcohol causes osteoporosis, inhibits osteosynthesis and alters the metabolism of the bony cells. The present study aimed at verifying the influence of alcohol ingestion in the process of bone consolidation after fracture in rats. Twelve Wistar albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were split in a control group (A), treated with commercial chow and water, and an experimental group (B), receiving commercial chow and sugar-cane brandy. Twenty-five days after fracture, the rats were killed and the collected material was subjected to light microscopy routine. It was observed that the bony callus was present in both groups of animals. In the regeneration region the animals from group A showed a smaller density of cartilage cells and thus a greater amount of newly-formed bone, while the animals from group B presented a larger density of cartilage cells, demonstrating a delay in the process of bone formation. According to the results obtained, we state that alcohol influences the fracture regeneration, delaying this process.