ABSTRACT
Regeneration of large bone defects is a major challenge in maxillofacial reconstruction. The present study evaluated the efficacy of simultaneous use of demineralized bone matrix [DBM], mesenchymal stem cells [MSCs] and platelet rich in growth factors [PRGF]. Stem cells were isolated from the femoral bone marrow of rabbits and their stem cell nature was confirmed. PRGF was prepared by drawing 5 cc of blood from the heart of rabbits and its centrifugation. A total of four 8mm defects were surgically created in rabbits calvaria using a trephine bur. Third passage cells were loaded on DBM and stored in an incubator for 24 hours. DBM, DBM+PRGF, DBM+MSCs and DBM+PRGF+MSCs were used in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. At 6 and 12 weeks rabbits were sacrificed using vital perfusion. Histomorphometric analysis was performed on 5 micro m sections stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin [H and E]. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 14 software and ANOVA test. Histomorphometric analysis of the sections at 6 and 12 weeks post-operation demonstrated 74.6% and 20.31% osteogenesis in group 1, 14.35% and 28.44% in group 2, 17.75% and 31.33% in group 3 and 18.94% and 37.21% in group 4, respectively. Percentage of new bone formation was higher in group 4. However, this difference was not statistically significant [P>0.05]. It seems that simultaneous use of DBM, PRGF and MSCs results in increased bone regeneration in 8 mm rabbit calvarial bone defects when compared to the application of MSCs or PRGF alone