Anabolic Potential of Bone Mineral in Human Periosteal Fibroblasts Using Steroid Markers of Healing

The study investigated the anabolic potential of deproteinized bone mineral (B) in human periosteal fibroblasts using radiolabelled androgens as substrates. The presence of minocycline (M) increased the yield of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a marker of regenerative potential, by 1.7 to 1.8-fold, indicating anabolic effects. Finasteride (F), an anti-androgen, inhibited DHT production, but this was counteracted when combined with B. The study concluded that B and M have significant anabolic potential in periosteal fibroblasts, with implications for wound healing, and highlighted the role of androgen receptor-mediated actions in bone formation. The study involved six subjects, enhancing the reliability of the findings.