Mesenchymal stem cell tailored bioengineered scaffolds derived from bubaline diaphragm and aortic matrices for reconstruction of abdominal wall defects.

Bioengineered scaffolds derived from the decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) obtained from discarded animal organs and tissues are attractive candidates for regenerative medicine applications. Tailoring these scaffolds with stem cells enhances their regeneration potential making them a suitable platform for regenerating damaged tissues. Thus, the study was designed to investigate the potential of mesenchymal stem cells tailored acellular bubaline diaphragm and aortic ECM for the repair of full-thickness abdominal wall defects in a rabbit model. Tissues obtained from bubaline diaphragm and aorta were decellularized and bioengineered by seeding with rabbit bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (r-BMSC). Full-thickness abdominal wall defects of 3 cm × 4 cm size were created in a rabbit model and repaired using five different prostheses, namely, polypropylene sheet, nonseeded diaphragm ECM, nonseeded aorta ECM, r-BMSC bioengineered diaphragm ECM, and r-BMSC bioengineered aorta ECM. Results from the study revealed that biological scaffolds are superior in comparison to synthetic polymer mesh for regeneration in terms of collagen deposition, maturation, neovascularization, and lack of any significant (P > 0.05) adhesions with the abdominal viscera. Seeding with r-BMSC significantly increased (P < 0.05) the collagen deposition and biomechanical strength of the scaffolds. The bioengineered r-BMSC seeded acellular bubaline diaphragm showed even superior biomechanical strength as compared to synthetic polymer mesh. Tailoring of the scaffolds with the r-BMSC also resulted in significant reduction (P < 0.01) in antibody and cell mediated immune reactions to the xenogeneic scaffolds in rabbit model.

Surgical correction of urethral diverticulum in a female pseudo-hermaphrodite crossbred calf.

A 40 kg crossbred calf of one month age was presented to the Institute Referral Polyclinic, with a history of dysuria, stranguria along with a fluctuant swelling in the mid-perineal region. On physical examination, a diverticulum was observed which on aspiration revealed urine. It was reported that urine outflow was from a tiny orifice at the proposed natural site of the vulva. Dissection of the skin over the diverticulum revealed hypoplastic penis with adhesion of the preputeal sheath along with penile hypospadia. Permanent perineal urethrostomy and diverticulectomy was performed in the region of the defect. The urethral layer was sutured along with the skin using 1-0 Polyamide sutures in a simple interrupted pattern. No postoperative complication was reported till one year of surgery and animal was urinating properly.

Polypropylene mesh seeded with fibroblasts: A new approach for the repair of abdominal wall defects in rats.

PURPOSE: The purpose of study was to develop bioengineered scaffolds by seeding primary mouse embryo fibroblast cells (p-MEF) on polypropylene mesh and to test its efficacy for the repair of abdominal wall defects in rats. METHODS: The study was conducted on 18 clinically healthy adult Wistar rats of either sex. The animals were randomly divided into two equal groups having nine animals in each group. In both the groups a 20mm×20mm size full thickness muscle defect was created under xylazine and ketamine anesthesia in the mid-ventral abdominal wall. In group I the defect was repaired with polypropylene mesh alone and in group II it was repaired with p-MEF seeded polypropylene mesh. Matrices were implanted by synthetic absorbable suture material (polyglycolic acid) in continuous suture pattern. The efficacy of the bio-engineered matrices in the reconstruction of full thickness abdominal wall defects was evaluated on the basis of macro and histopathological observations. RESULTS: Macroscopic observations revealed that adhesions with skin and abdominal viscera were minimum in group II as compared to group I. Histopathological observations confirmed better fibroplasia and collagen fiber arrangement in group II. No recurrence of hernia was found in both the groups. CONCLUSION: Hernias are effectively repaired by implanting polypropylene mesh. However, this work demonstrates that in vitro seeding of mesh with fibroblasts resulted in earlier subsidization of pain, angiogenesis and deposition of collagen, increased thickness of matrices with lesser adhesions with underlying viscera. On the basis of the results p-MEF seeded mesh was better than non-seeded mesh for repair of abdominal wall defects in rats.

Bubaline Cholecyst Derived Extracellular Matrix for Reconstruction of Full Thickness Skin Wounds in Rats.

An acellular cholecyst derived extracellular matrix (b-CEM) of bubaline origin was prepared using anionic biological detergent. Healing potential of b-CEM was compared with commercially available collagen sheet (b-CS) and open wound (C) in full thickness skin wounds in rats. Thirty-six clinically healthy adult Sprague Dawley rats of either sex were randomly divided into three equal groups. Under general anesthesia, a full thickness skin wound (20 × 20 mm(2)) was created on the dorsum of each rat. The defect in group I was kept as open wound and was taken as control. In group II, the defect was repaired with commercially available collagen sheet (b-CS). In group III, the defect was repaired with cholecyst derived extracellular matrix of bovine origin (b-CEM). Planimetry, wound contracture, and immunological and histological observations were carried out to evaluate healing process. Significantly (P < 0.05) increased wound contraction was observed in b-CEM (III) as compared to control (I) and b-CS (II) on day 21. Histologically, improved epithelization, neovascularization, fibroplasia, and best arranged collagen fibers were observed in b-CEM (III) as early as on postimplantation day 21. These findings indicate that b-CEM have potential for biomedical applications for full thickness skin wound repair in rats.

Caesarean in mare by Marcenac incision under local anaesthesia.

A nulliparous non-descript mare was presented with a complaint of dystocia. The mare was recumbent and physical examination revealed that the animal was in shock. There was no straining and foetal forelimbs were visible outside the vulva. The foetus was dead as there was no pedal reflex. Vaginal examination revealed anterior presentation with dorso-sacral position and rigid lateral head deviation. Pre-operatively, the mare was given 5 ml Tetanus toxoid and 3 g Ceftriaxone as intramuscular injection, and 5 ml Dexamethasone in 15 L of 5% Dextrose Normal Saline (DNS) as intravenous (i/v) infusion. As pelvic space was inadequate and the mal posture was not correctable, manual correction or foetotomy could not be attempted and therefore caesarean section was planned. Condition of the animal warranted the use of local anaesthetic infiltration instead of general anesthesia. Post-operative care included intravenous fluids, anti-inflammatory/analgesics and daily antiseptic dressing. The owner reported uneventful recovery. The authors would like to conclude the case as a rare emergency caesarean in equine where the surgery was done with animal in lateral recumbency employing a Marcenac incision under local anaesthesia.

Establishment and characterization of a bovine rectal myxoma cell line.

A new bovine cell line was developed from tumor biopsy material of rectum obtained from clinical case of 7 years old cattle with tumor mass obliterating the rectal opening. Histopathology of tumor revealed scattered stellate cells arranged singly or in clusters in loose mucinous ground substance, simulating myxoma. The cells obtained from tumor mass have been cultured for more than 36 months in DMEM supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). The population doubling time of this cell line was about 20.64 h. The cytogenetic analysis revealed several chromosomal abnormalities with bizarre karyotype. The origin of the cell line was confirmed by PCR amplification of 1086 bp fragment of 16s rRNA using bovine species specific primers. The new cell line would act as in vitro model to study many aspect of cancer biology such as tumor development, differentiation and therapeutics regimen to combat cancer.

Bioengineered acellular dermal matrices for the repair of abdominal wall defects in rats.

PURPOSE: Acellular grafts can be used as a better substitute for the prosthetic meshes in reconstruction of abdominal wall defect. The purpose of study was to develop bioengineered scaffolds by seeding primary mouse embryo fibroblast cells (p-MEF) on decellularized rabbit skin and to test the efficacy of these scaffolds for the repair of abdominal wall defects in rats. METHODS: The study was conducted on 18 clinically healthy adult Wistar rats of either sex. The animals were randomly divided into two equal groups having nine animals in each group. In both the groups a 20 × 20 mm(2) size full thickness muscle defect was created under xylazine and ketamine anaesthesia in the mid-ventral abdominal wall. In group I the defect was repaired with acellular dermal matrix alone and in group II it was repaired with p-MEF seeded dermal matrix. Matrices were implanted by synthetic absorbable suture material (polyglycolic acid) in continuous suture pattern. The efficacy of the bioengineered matrices in the reconstruction of full thickness abdominal wall defects was evaluated. RESULTS: Macroscopic observations revealed that adhesions with skin and abdominal viscera were found to be less in group II as compared to group I. Immunological reactions were reduced in group II. Histopathological observations also revealed that fibroplasia and collagen fiber arrangement was found to be better in group II. No recurrence of hernia was found in both the groups. CONCLUSION: On the basis of the results bioengineered cell seeded scaffolds were found to be better than non-cell seeded scaffolds for the repair of abdominal wall defects in rats.

Comparison between availability of heavy metals in dry and wetland tailing of an abandoned copper tailing pond.

Wetland sediments are generally considered as a sink for metals and, in the anoxic zone, may contain very high concentrations of heavy metals in reduced state. A comprehensive study was carried out to compare the differences of total, environmentally available (Env-Av), HOAC, EDTA and DTPA available heavy metal fraction in tailing of the marshy area of a copper tailing pond and the dry tailing. The average concentrations of all the seven metals in the wetland tailing were found higher than dry tailing. Regarding pH, organic carbon, available (correction of availailable) N, P and K also found higher in marshy wetland tailing compare to the dry tailing. This information is needed in order to understand wetland system and to assure that wetlands do not themselves eventually become sources of metal contamination to surrounding areas. But as levels of pollutants increases, the ability of a wetland system to incorporate waste can be impaired and the wetland can become a source of toxicity.

Management of fractures near the carpal joint of two calves by transarticular fixation with a circular external fixator.

A four-ring circular external skeletal fixation device was evaluated for transcarpal fixation of compound fractures in two calves. Case 1 was an eight-month-old female Holstein-Friesian x indigenous breed calf weighing 72 kg, which had a Salter-Harris type II fracture at the distal metaphysis of the right radius/ulna with an open contaminated wound on the medial aspect of the carpus. Case 2 was an 18-month-old crossbred Haryana heifer weighing 105 kg, which had a comminuted fracture at the proximal end of its left metacarpus with severe soft tissue trauma and an open wound on the medial aspect. In both cases, the fractures were repaired with four-ring circular fixators by fixing the proximal two rings in the distal radius/ulna and the distal two rings in the metacarpus. Postoperatively, both calves were treated with analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotic, and the pin-bone interfaces and the open wound were cleaned regularly with povidone-iodine solution. In both animals weight bearing was good to excellent in the immediate postoperative period. The fixator was well maintained and tolerated by the animals until the fractures healed after 45 to 60 days. The movement of the carpal joint was slightly affected when the fixator was removed on day 60, but a follow-up examination after one year showed that both calves had normal functional usage of the limbs.

Polymorphism of ZuBeCa3 microsatellite and its association with mammary tumor in dogs.

A study was conducted to explore the genetic polymorphism at ZuBeCa3 microsatellite and to estimate the association between microsatellite polymorphism and mammary cancer in dogs. Three genotypes namely AA, AB and BB were observed both in dogs affected by mammary cancer and in non-affected dogs. In the affected group, the frequency of genotype and allele was 0.63 for AA, 0.25 for AB and 0.12 for BB genotype, and 0.76 for A and 0.24 for B allele. In the nonaffected group, the frequency of AA, AB and BB genotype was 0.39, 0.38 and 0.23 and the frequency of A and B allele was 0.58 and 0.42, respectively. Histopathological observation classified the cancer-affected animals into three groups namely, malignant solid mammary carcinoma, malignant papillary adenocarcinoma and benign papillary adenoma in which the frequency of A allele was relatively more predominant in benign tumor group, which is more than 80%. Statistical tests showed significant differences (P < 0.01) of allelic distribution between tumor-affected and non-affected group, which reveals the effect of polymorphism on occurrences of mammary cancer in dogs. Besides, chi(2) test also reflected the significant effect of genotypes on occurrences of three groups of mammary cancer in dogs.

Acellular dermal graft for repair of abdominal wall defects in rabbits.

Sixteen clinically healthy New Zealand white rabbits of either sex were divided into 2 equal groups (I and II) of 8 animals each. Under thiopental sodium (2.5%) anaesthesia a 2 x 3 cm full-thickness abdominal wall defect in the mid-ventral abdominal wall was created and repaired with an acellular dermal graft (ADG) in all the animals of group I (test group). In animals of group II (control group) a full-thickness linear midline abdominal muscular wall incision was made and repaired with a continuous suture pattern using 2-0 nylon.

Ultrasound therapy in tendinous injury healing in goats.

The effect of ultrasound therapy on tendon injury healing was studied on 12 locally available non-descript adult goats of either sex divided equally in two groups (I and II) consisting of six animals each. The superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) was transected and immediately repaired with nylon (2/0) using a locking loop suture pattern under atropine-triflupromazine-lignocaine epidural analgesia and strict aseptic condition. A full limb plaster of Paris cast was applied to immobilize the operated limb for 3 days. Postoperative care was similar in both the groups. In group I, the operated limb was allowed to heal without ultrasound therapy. In group II, pulsed ultrasound therapy was started 3 days after repair of tendinous injury at an intensity of 1 W/cm(2) for 10 min daily for 10 consecutive days. The animals of both groups were evaluated clinically and haemato-biochemically on days 1, 3, 7, 15, 20 and 30 postoperatively. Air tendonograms and ultrasonography were performed on days 0, 10, 20 and 30 post-tenorrhaphy. Histopathological examination of tendon biopsy samples was performed on day 30 post-tenorrhaphy. Resolution of inflammatory swelling, pain, weight bearing and tendon gliding movement was earlier in the test group than control. Rectal temperature, total leucocyte count and differential leucocyte count did not vary significantly at various stages of observation in both the groups. Serum glucose, cortisone and serum alkaline phosphatase levels increased significantly after tendon injury repair in all the animals and decreased slowly at all subsequent intervals in control group, whereas, it was near normal in the treatment group on day 30 post-tenorrhaphy. Air tendenograms and ultrasonography examinations in the test group revealed that there was a marked regression of peritendinous adhesion between the tendon and skin on day 30 post-tendon injury repaired and the tendon at the reconstructive site attained near normal thickness and density. Adhesions were present in the reconstructed site of SDFT in all animals of the control group. Histopathologically, the granulation tissue was comparatively bettered organized at the healing site in the ultrasound-treated animals.

Xylazine, diazepam and midazolam premedicated ketamine anaesthesia in white Leghorn cockerels for typhlectomy.

Thee different combinations of ketamine hydrochloride were used to induce general anaesthesia for surgical operations (typhlectomy) in 30 adult, single-comb White Leghorn cockerels. They were randomly divided into three groups, each comprising 10 birds. Birds in Group I received xylazine-ketamine combinations at the dose rate of 2 mg xylazine and 10 mg ketamine per kg i.v., whereas birds of Group II received diazepam (2.5 mg/kg i.v.) and 5 min later ketamine (75 mg/kg i.m.). In the Group III, midazolam (2 mg/kg i.m.) and 5 min later ketamine (50 mg/kg i.v.) was administered. The onset of sedation/anaesthesia was shortest (1.60 +/- 0.27 min) in Group I, followed by Group II (8.40 +/- 0.83 min) and Group III (17.10 +/- 1.71 min). Recovery period was shortest in the Group I (65-75 min) followed by Group II (80-85 min) and Group III (92-105 min). Sedation, muscle relaxation and surgical anaesthesia was optimal and excellent in Group I compared with the other two groups. Torticollis, salivation and dyspnoea were observed in Group III. Short-term limb contractions were present in all birds in Groups II and III, up to 20 min of observation. Recovery from anaesthesia was smooth in all three groups. A Surgical procedure (typhlectomy) was performed on all birds. Hypothermia was observed in Group II, whereas heart and respiratory depression was recorded in Group I. Blood sugar level did not vary significantly in any anaesthetic regime. The reduction of haemoglobin was maximum in Group II compared with Groups I and III. Hypoxaemia and hypercapnaea were elevated in all birds in Groups II and III. Blood electrolytes did not vary significantly from the baseline values among the three groups of birds during the period of observation (120 min). The xylazineketamine combination was found to be the best anaesthesia for surgical intervention in chickens.

Romifidine-ketamine anaesthesia in atropine and triflupromazine pre-medicated buffalo calves.

The study was conducted on 10 buffalo calves with a weight of 98.5 +/- 3.9 kg and age 9.7 +/- 1.3 months. Ten trials of two treatments were carried out using a randomized block design. Atropine at the dose of 0.02 mg/kg bodyweight was administered in both the groups. The animals of group I received romifidine at the dose of 10 microg/kg i.v., 10 min after atropine administration, whereas, animals of group II received triflupromazine at the dose of 0.3 mg/kg i.m. and 10 min later romifidine at the dose of 10 microg/kg i.v. immediately followed by ketamine at the dose of 5 mg/kg i.v. The onset of action of romifidine in group I occurred within 2 min and the animals remained under mild sedation for 31 +/- 4.8 min. In group II, the triflupromazine-romifidine-ketamine combination induced anaesthesia for 14 +/- 2.3 min. Hypothermia, significant bradycardia and respiratory depression was noticed in both groups at different time intervals.

The use of a circular external skeletal fixation device for the management of long bone osteotomies in large ruminants: an experimental study.

The study was undertaken to evaluate the feasibility of a simple, inexpensive model of circular external fixator (CEF) for use in large ruminants. A simple model of CEF frames consisting of four full rings (13-19 cm diameter, 4 cm wide and 4 mm thick with 18-24 holes) connected by threaded rods (8 mm diameter, 10-15 cm long) and nuts was developed using mild (low carbon) steel and were nickel-plated. In the first phase of the study, three male cow calves were utilized to study the feasibility of application of the fixators in the metatarsus, tibia and radius, in reference of adaptation and tolerance by animals. In the second phase, the fixators were tested in osteotomized bones. Six bull calves of 1.5-2 years of age weighing about 200-250 kg were utilized for this purpose. After preparing the area for aseptic surgery, under xylazine (at 0.1 mg/kg, i.m.)-ketamine (i.v. till effect) general anaesthesia, the test bone (metatarsus, radius and tibia in two animals each) was approached through the medial surface and an osteotomy was created with a saw and chisel at the mid-diaphysis. The pre-constructed 4-ring CEF was mounted on the limb around the test bone in such a way that it formed a cylinder with the axis of the limb at the centre. Each ring was then fixed to the bone with a pair of beaded wires (316 SS) of 3.5 mm diameter. During the post-operative period, the animals were observed for any change in behaviour, tolerance of the fixators, the weight bearing on the test limb, the status of the fixator, and the level of reduction of the osteotomy, alignment and healing at different intervals. The fixation of CEF was easier in the metatarsus and radius than in the tibia. The inner ring diameters found adequate for metatarsus, radius and tibia were 13-15 cm, 15-17 cm and 17-19 cm, respectively. The fixators applied to different bones were well-tolerated, and the animals could lay down, stand and walk freely with the fixator without any problems. All the animals showed good weight bearing in the immediate post-operative period. Weight bearing, however, slightly reduced in the inflammatory period and showed improvement after about 4 weeks. Wire tract infection was seen in all the animals, which was more on proximal wire tracts on lateral aspect of limbs. Circular fixators were well-tolerated by all the animals, and there was no breaking/bending of connecting rods, slotted bolts or the rings at any stage of observation. Slight bowing of some wires was noticed in cases of tibia and radius (in phase II) and bending of some wires was noticed from first week in two animals one each in radius and tibia. Bone fragments were well maintained until healing occurred (appearance of bridging periosteal callus) at 60-70 days. The functional results were good in all but one case of tibia, where a mal-union was recorded. From this study, it can be concluded that CEF are well-tolerated by large ruminants and can be used to treat long bone fractures. The fixator assembly using mild steel is sufficiently strong to maintain fracture fixation and is inexpensive. The simple design of the CEF appears to be sufficient to treat simple diaphyseal fractures of the metatarsus and radius. Improvement in the technique of fixation and design-like coupling of linear and circular fixator components into hybrid constructs may help to provide greater rigidity in treating tibial and open long bone fractures.

Genesis of domestic sewage--case study of a residential university campus.

The study reports on the genesis of domestic sewage in a predominantly residential university campus area ofDhanbad, Jharkhand. The domestic sewage has been collected from three different locations of the campus area and their physicochemical characteristics have been studied. These studies reveal that the extent of mineral pick-up is different for different parameter. It has been found out in the present study that in the domestic sewage, the chloride pick-up is 71%, nitrate pick-up is 97%, total hardness pick-up is 20 %, iron pick-up is 98% and zinc pick-up is 98%. The rate constants have been found out by using standard methods and have been compared with those mentioned in the standard literatures and previous works.

Dental fluorosis in bovine of Nayagarh district of Orissa.

Chronic fluoride toxicity in the form of dental fluorosis was observed in cattle from nine (9) villages under two (2) blocks of Nayagarh district of Orissa. Out of 1117 cattle, 221 (18.09%) showed the signs of dental fluorosis. In all affected villages, the prevalence of dental fluorosis in calves (< 1 year age) was greater than adults. There was significant difference in prevalence in respect to age. The commonly observed signs of dental fluorosis were brown discoloration, mottling, attrition or uneven wearing of teeth with or without pitting. None of the affected animals showed characteristic signs of osteofluorosis. The mean serum and urine fluoride concentration of affected animals were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those of control animals. Fluoride levels (mean) of ground water and surface water in two blocks were 1.30 +/- 0.16 ppm, 0. 66 +/- 0.08 ppm and 1.12 +/- 0.19 ppm, 0. 48 +/- 0.05 ppm respectively. The fluoride content of grass samples of affected and control (non-endemic) area was comparable. There was a highly positive correlation (r = + 0.664) between prevalence of dental fluorosis and fluoride content of ground water. It was concluded that fluoride intake through the water especially ground water contributed to the development of fluorosis in cattle.

Acellular and glutaraldehyde-preserved tendon allografts for reconstruction of superficial digital flexor tendon in bovines: Part I--Clinical, radiological and angiographical observations.

Sixteen tenorrhaphies were performed at the mid-metatarsal region in eight buffalo calves under lignocaine epidural analgesia. A 2 cm long gap was created in the superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendon and immediately repaired with acellular grafts in animals of group I, 1% glutaraldehyde-preserved tendon allografts in group II. In group III, the defect was repaired with autografts. This group served as control. The contralateral limb in each animal was operated after an interval of 60 days and the animals underwent the same procedure according to the designed groups. Diclofenac sodium and Enrofloxacin was given post-operatively for 5 days. Clinical examination revealed significant increase (P < 0.05) in rectal temperature, heart and respiratory rate for 3-4 postoperative days in all the animals. Mild pain and exudation as well as early restoration of tendon gliding movements and weight-bearing were observed earlier in group I in comparison with group II. Air-tendograms revealed early organization, minimal adhesion formation and lesser thickening of tendon at the reconstructive site in the acellular group whereas in the glutaraldehyde group dense homogenous swelling with adhesions was seen along the flexors. Angiography on day 30 showed that the area of proximal and distal host tendon graft junction appeared hypervascularized, whereas the area occupied by the graft appeared relatively less vascularized. Normal vascularization was observed on day 90 in all the three groups.

Acellular and glutaraldehyde-preserved tendon allografts for reconstruction of superficial digital flexor tendon in bovines: Part II--Gross, microscopic and scanning electron microscopic observations.

Sixteen tenorrhaphies were performed at mid-metatarsal region in eight buffalo calves. A 2-cm long gap was created in the superficial digital flexor (SDF) tendon in all animals. The gap was immediately repaired with acellular grafts in animals of group I, 1% glutaraldehyde-preserved tendon allografts in group II, and in group III the defect was repaired with autografts (control group). The contralateral limb in each animal was operated after an interval of 60 days and the animals underwent the same procedure according to the designed groups. Gross observation revealed filling of host tendon-graft junction with fibrous connective tissue. Increased vascularity was seen in group I when compared with group II and III. Graft was resorbed in animals of group I and III, whereas partial absorption of graft was seen in group II. Histological observations on day 30 revealed restoration of cellularity in acellular graft and fragmentation and resorption of glutaraldehyde-preserved graft. Graft was replaced by newly formed fibrous connective tissue. Tissue reaction around polygalactin suture consisted of plasma cells, lymphocytes and macrophages. On day 90, most of the acellular graft was replaced by newly formed fibrous connective tissue. In group II the majority of graft portion remained at the site and was in a state of resorption. In the control group it was difficult to distinguish between the host tendon and the graft. Scanning electron microscopical observation showed densely packed neoformed tissue at host tendon-graft junction. Hydrolysis and invasion of connective tissue between polygalactin suture filaments, resorption of graft with cavity formation and dissolution of ground substance were observed.

Bone morphogenetic proteins--novel regulators of bone formation.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), hydrophobic, non-species specific glycoproteins, belong to the expanding transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily. BMP has pleiotropic function that range from extraskeletal and skeletal organogenesis to bone generation and regeneration. It induces de novo bone formation in post fetal life through the process of direct (intra membranous) and endochondral ossification and their response is dose dependent. Through recombinant gene technology, BMP is available at least in ten forms for basic research and clinical trials. Amino acid sequences and physical properties of BMP family members have been identified. BMP research extends to the fields of developmental biology, genetics and evolution.