Polydioxanone Enhances Bone Regeneration After Resection and Reconstruction of Rat Femur with rhBMP2.

The aim of this study was to assess the bone regeneration potential of a polydioxanone (PDO) scaffold together with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) for the reconstruction of large bone defect. In total, 24 male rats (6 months old) were subjected to bilateral femoral stabilization using titanium plates to create a 2 mm gap, and reconstruction using rhBMP-2 (Infuse®; 3.25 µg). The bone defects were covered with PDO (PDO group), or with titanium mesh (Ti group). Animals were euthanized on days 14 and 60. Simultaneously, 16 rats received PDO and Ti in their dorsum for the purpose of biocompatibility analysis at 3, 5, 7, and 10 days postoperatively. X-ray densitometry showed a higher density in the PDO group on day 14. On day 60, coverage of the bone defect with PDO showed a larger quantity of newly formed bone than that found for the Ti group, a lower inflammatory infiltrate value, and a more significant number of blood vessels on day 14. By immunohistochemical assessment, runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and osteocalcin (OCN) showed higher labeling on day 14 in the PDO group. On day 60, bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) showed higher labeling in the PDO group, whereas Ti showed higher labeling for osteoprotegerin, nuclear factor kappa B ligand-activating receptor, RUNX2, and OCN. Furthermore, biocompatibility analysis showed a higher inflammatory response in the Ti group. The PDO scaffold enhanced bone regeneration when associated with rhBMP-2 in rat femur reconstruction. Impact statement Regeneration of segmental bone defects is a difficult task, and several techniques and materials have been used. Recent advances in the production of synthetic polymers, such as polydioxanone (PDO), produced by three-dimensional printing, have shown distinct characteristics that could improve tissue regeneration even in an important bone defect. The present preclinical study showed that PDO membranes used as scaffolds to carry recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) improved bone tissue regeneration by more than 8-fold when compared with titanium mesh, suggesting that PDO membranes could be a feasible and useful material for use in guided bone regeneration. (In English, viable is only used for living creatures capable of sustaining life.

Feasible low bone density condition for assessing bioactivity in ex-in vivo and in vivo studies

Abstract Objective To choose a critical animal model for assessments of bone repair with implant installation by comparing senile rats (SENIL) to young ovariectomized rats (OXV). Methodology For the ex-in vivo study, the femurs were precursors for bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Cellular responses were performed, including cell viability, gene expression of osteoblastic markers, bone sialoprotein immunolocalization, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineralized matrix formation. For the in vivo study, the animals received implants in the region of the bilateral tibial metaphysis for histometric, microtomography, reverse torque, and confocal microscopy. Results Cell viability showed that the SENIL group had lower growth than OVX. Gene expression showed more critical responses for the SENIL group (p<0.05). The alkaline phosphatase activity obtained a lower expression in the SENIL group, as for the mineralization nodules (p<0.05). The in vivo histological parameters and biomechanical analysis showed lower data for the SENIL group. The confocal microscopy indicated the presence of a fragile bone in the SENIL group. The microtomography was similar between the groups. The histometry of the SENIL group showed the lowest values (p<0.05). Conclusion In experimental studies with assessments of bone repair using implant installation, the senile model promotes the most critical bone condition, allowing a better investigation of the properties of biomaterials and topographic changes.