TGF-beta 1 forms functionally normal bone in a segmental sheep tibial diaphyseal defect.
OBJECTIVE
Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) is a polyfunctional regulatory cytokine that has been shown to have roles in extracellular matrix interactions, soft tissue healing, and osteogenesis. This study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of TGF-beta 1 in the formation of functionally normal bone in tibial-diaphyseal defects.


METHODS
Seven hundred fifty micrograms of recombinant human TGF-beta 1 was added to a guanidine-extracted demineralised bone matrix (Gu-DBM) carrier and the implants were used to fill a 2.5 cm tibial diaphyseal defect in skeletally mature female sheep. The defects were allowed to heal over a 12-week period. After sacrifice, they were analyzed using four-point bending mechanical testing.


RESULTS
Implants with TGF-beta 1 showed complete bony bridging of the defect and stress-strain curves similar to the normal contralateral limb, while implants with the carrier alone failed to bridge the gap.


CONCLUSIONS
These results demonstrate the ability of TGF-beta 1 to induce new bone which has structural and functional characteristics similar to normal bone.
Moxham
J P
JP
Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre.
Kibblewhite
D J
DJ
Dvorak
M
M
Perey
B
B
Tencer
A F
AF
Bruce
A G
AG
Strong
D M
DM
D000818:Animals; D002113:Calcification, Physiologic; D018483:Diaphyses / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D010012:Osteogenesis; D010149:Postoperative Pain; D012756:Sheep; D013977:Tibia / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000601:surgery; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014945:Wound Healing
D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta