Repair of alveolar cleft bone defects by bone collagen particles combined with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in rabbit
Abstract Background: Alveolar cleft is a kind of cleft lip and palate, which seriously affects the physical and mental health of patients. In this study , the model of the alveolar cleft phenotype was established in rabbits to evaluate the effect of bone collagen particles combined with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUC-MSCs) on the repair of alveolar cleft bone defects. Methods : The model of alveolar clefts in rabbits was established by removing the incisors on the left side of the upper jaw. Bone collagen particles combined with hUC-MSCs were implanted in the defect area. Blood biochemical analysis was performed after 3 months. Skull tissues were harvested for gross observation, and micro-focus computerized tomography (micro-CT) analysis. Tissues were harvested for histological and immunohistochemical staining. The experiments were repeated 6 months after surgery. Results: The bone collagen particles and HUC-MSCs have good biological safety. In addition, both can promote the regeneration of incisor. Bone collagen particles combined with hUC-MSCs were much better than those used alone in inducing bone repair and regeneration. Conclusions: The method of HUC-MSCs combined with bone collagen particle material to fill a bone defect site is simple, rapid and suitable for the treatment of alveolar cleft bone defects.