title: Basic fibroblast growth factor gene transfection to enhance the repair of avascular necrosis of the femoral head.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore a new method for the therapy of avascular necrosis of the femoral head.
  
  
  METHODS
  The recombinant plasmid pCD-rbFGF was mixed with collagen and was implanted in the necrotic femoral head. Expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was examined by RT-PCR and immunohistochemical method. Repair of the femoral head was observed by histological and histomorphometric analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Expression of bFGF was detected in the femoral head transfected with bFGF gene, indicating significant increase of angiogenesis 2 weeks after gene transfection and increased new bone formation 8 weeks after gene transfection on histomorphometric analysis (P< 0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Transfection of bFGF gene enhances bone tissue angiogenesis. Repair in osteonecrosis would be accelerated accordingly.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022. yangcaom@sina.com
authors.forename: Cao
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Shu-Hua
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Jing-Yuan
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Du
authors.forename: Jin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Wei-Hua
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Yu-Fang
authors.initials: YF
authors.lastname: Xiong
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003094:Collagen / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005270:Femur Head / Q000378:metabolism*; D005271:Femur Head Necrosis / Q000628:therapy*; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D015870:Gene Expression; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic; D010012:Osteogenesis; D010957:Plasmids; D011817:Rabbits; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D014162:Transfection
chemical_list: D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; D003094:Collagen