Beta-tricalcium phosphate combined with advanced platelet-rich fibrin contributes to bone regeneration: X-ray and immunohistochemical analysis / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: It has been proved that various bone substitute materials combined with blood derivatives contribute to osteogenesis. At present, no relevant reports have been reported on the combination of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) combined with advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) in the repair of bone defects. OBJECTIVE: To observe the characteristics and effects of β-TCP combined with A-PRF for repair of bone defects. METHODS: Thirty-nine Japanese big ear rabbits (provided by the Chengdu Dashuo Experimental Animal Center in China) were randomly divided into A-PRF group (n=12), β-TCP group (n=12), composite group (n=12), and blank control group (n=3). A 6.0 mm× 8.0 mm cylindrical critical bone defect was made on the lateral femoral condyle of each side of hind legs of each rabbit and filled in with different materials in corresponding groups, respectively. No implantation was done in the blank control group. The whole femur of each rat was taken at 1, 2 and 3 months after implantation, and X-ray films were taken as well as receptor activator nuclear factor kappa B ligand and osteoprotegerin immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Over time, X-ray films showed high-density shadow in the bone defect area in the A-PRF group, and there was a centripetal growth trend from the edge of bone defect to the center, while in the β-TCP group and composite group, there was a centripetal decrease trend from the edge to the center of the bone defect, and finally the density was close to natural bone or consistent to the surrounding bone tissues. (2) Receptor activator nuclear factor kappa B ligand and osteoprotegerin immunohistochemical analysis showed a positive expression in all the groups. The order of the mean absorbance value in the four groups was as follows the composite group> β-TCP group> A-PRF group> blank group, all of which were statistically significant (P < 0.05). To conclude, β-TCP combined with A-PRF has a better osteogenic effect than individual use.