BMP-2 but not VEGF or PDGF in fibrin matrix supports bone healing in a delayed-union rat model

J Orthop Res. 2012 Oct;30(10):1563-9. doi: 10.1002/jor.22132. Epub 2012 Apr 16.

Abstract

Treatment of delayed bone healing and non-unions after fractures, osteotomies or arthrodesis still is a relevant clinical challenge. Artificially applied growth factors can increase bone healing and progressively gain importance in clinical routine. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of rhPDGF-BB, rhVEGF-165, and rhBMP-2 in fibrin matrix on bone healing in a delayed-union rat model. Thirty-seven rats underwent a first operation where a standardized femoral critical size defect was created. A silicone spacer was implanted to impair vascularization within the defect. At 4 weeks the spacer was removed in a second operation and rhPDGF-BB, rhVEGF-165, or rhBMP-2 were applied in a fibrin clot. Animals in a fourth group received a fibrin clot without growth factors. At 8 weeks fibrin bound rhBMP-2 treated animals showed a significantly increased union rate and bone volume within the defect compared to the other groups. Single application of fibrin bound rhPDGF-BB and rhVEGF-165 failed to increase bone healing in our atrophic non-union model.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 / pharmacology
  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 / therapeutic use*
  • Femoral Fractures / drug therapy
  • Femoral Fractures / pathology
  • Femur / pathology
  • Fibrin / pharmacokinetics
  • Fracture Healing / drug effects*
  • Fractures, Ununited / drug therapy*
  • Fractures, Ununited / pathology
  • Male
  • Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / pharmacology
  • Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / therapeutic use*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Recombinant Proteins / pharmacology
  • Recombinant Proteins / therapeutic use
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / pharmacology
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • BMP2 protein, human
  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2
  • Platelet-Derived Growth Factor
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • VEGFA protein, human
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Fibrin