Use of transforming growth factor-ß loaded onto ß-tricalcium phosphate scaffold in a bone regeneration rat calvaria model.

BACKGROUND: Transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß1 ) enhances mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation into osteoblasts. PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to assess whether TGF-ß1 loaded onto ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) synthetic scaffold enhances bone regeneration in a rat calvaria model. The release kinetics of TGF-ß1 from ß-TCP scaffold was evaluated in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: TGF-ß1 in various concentrations (1-40 ng/mL) was loaded onto the ß-TCP scaffold, and release kinetics was monitored by ELISA. The effect of TGF-ß1 on the proliferation of MSCs was assessed using AlamarBlue, and MSC differentiation was evaluated by Alizarin Red quantification assay.Bone augmentation following transplantation of TGF-ß1 loaded onto ß-TCP in a rat calvaria model was evaluated in vivo. RESULTS: Greater TGF-ß1 release from the 40 ng/mL concentration was found. A suppressive effect of TGF-ß on the MSCs proliferation was observed with maximum inhibition obtained with 40 ng/mL compared to the control group (P = .028). A positive effect on MSCs osteogenic differentiation was found.Bone height and bone area fraction in vivo were similar with or without TGF-ß1 ; however, blood vessel density and degradation of the scaffold were significantly higher in the TGF-ß1 group. CONCLUSION: TGF-ß1 adsorbed to ß-TCP stimulated angiogenesis and scaffold degradation that may enhance bone formation.

Adult stem cells in the use of jaw bone regeneration: current and prospective research.

Concomitant to the increased use of dental implants to replace lost dentition, there is a growing need to regenerate atrophic jaw bone to allow dental implant placement. Current surgical techniques for jaw bone augmentation share several limitations, such as operator sensitivity and relatively low predictability and high morbidity rates. Therefore, alternative treatment approaches have been developed in the field of tissue engineering. Bone tissue engineering integrates the use of different scaffolds, growth factors, and stem cells. This method aims to induce bone augmentation of large bone defects by mimicking biologic processes that occur during embryogenesis. This review will present available sources for adult stem cells, the rationale for using stem cells for bone regeneration, and recent studies that use mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) to induce bone augmentation.