Histological Study of Bone Regeneration Using Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor on Rat Mandibular Bone Defect

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most crucial growth factors and an assistant for the adjustment of bone regeneration. In this study, a 3D scaffold is fabricated using the method of fused deposition modeling. Such a fabricated method allows us to fabricate scaffolds with consistent pore sizes, which could promote cellular ingrowth into scaffolds. Therefore, we drafted a plan to accelerate bone regeneration via VEGF released from the hydroxyapatite/calcium sulfate (HACS) scaffold. Herein, HACS will gradually degrade and provide a suitable environment for cell growth and differentiation. In addition, HACS scaffolds have higher mechanical properties and drug release compared with HA scaffolds. The drug release profile of the VEGF-loaded scaffolds showed that VEGF could be loaded and released in a stable manner. Furthermore, initial results showed that VEGF-loaded scaffolds could significantly enhance the proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). In addition, angiogenic- and osteogenic-related proteins were substantially increased in the HACS/VEGF group. Moreover, in vivo results revealed that HACS/VEGF improved the regeneration of the rabbit’s femur bone defect, and VEGF loading improved bone tissue regeneration and remineralization after implantation for 8 weeks. All these results strongly imply that the strategy of VEGF loading onto scaffolds could be a potential candidate for future bone tissue engineering.

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A numerical bone regeneration model incorporating angiogenesis, considering oxygen-induced secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor and vascular remodeling

Journal of Biomechanics ◽

10.1016/j.jbiomech.2021.110656 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 110656

Author(s):

Xuanbin Zhang ◽

Haosen Wang ◽

Zhixiu Hao

Keyword(s):

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor ◽

Growth Factor ◽

Bone Regeneration ◽

Vascular Remodeling ◽

Vascular Endothelial ◽

Endothelial Growth Factor

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Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Mesenchymal Stem Cells Revealed Similar Bone Formation to Allograft in a Sheep Model

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2021/6676609 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Chris H. Dreyer ◽

Niklas R. Jørgensen ◽

Søren Overgaard ◽

Ling Qin ◽

Ming Ding

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor ◽

Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽

Growth Factor ◽

Bone Formation ◽

Bone Regeneration ◽

Titanium Implants ◽

Vascular Endothelial ◽

Endothelial Growth Factor ◽

Vegf Release

Introduction. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are key factors in bone regeneration. Further stimulation should establish an enhanced cell environment optimal for vessel evolvement and hereby being able to attract bone-forming cells. The aim of this study was to generate new bone by using MSCs and VEGF, being able to stimulate growth equal to allograft. Methods. Eight Texel/Gotland sheep had four titanium implants in a size of 10 × 12 mm inserted into bilateral distal femurs, containing a 2 mm gap. In the gap, autologous 3 × 10 6 MSCs seeded on hydroxyapatite (HA) granules in combination with 10 ng, 100 ng, and 500 ng VEGF release/day were added. After 12 weeks, the implant-bone blocks were harvested, embedded, and sectioned for histomorphometric analysis. Bone formation and mechanical fixation were evaluated. Blood samples were collected for the determination of bone-related biomarkers and VEGF in serum at weeks 0, 1, 4, 8, and 12. Results. The combination of 3 × 10 6 MSCs with 10 ng, 100 ng, and 500 ng VEGF release/day exhibited similar amount of bone formation within the gap as allograft ( P > 0.05 ). Moreover, no difference in mechanical fixation was observed between the groups ( P > 0.05 ). Serum biomarkers showed no significant difference compared to baseline (all P > 0.05 ). Conclusion. MSCs and VEGF exhibit significant bone regeneration, and their bone properties equal to allograft, with no systemic increase in osteogenic markers or VEGF with no visible side effects. This study indicates a possible new approach into solving the problem of insufficient allograft, in larger bone defects.

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