Basic fibroblast growth factor gene transfection to enhance the repair of avascular necrosis of the femoral head.
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.
Yang
Cao
C
Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022. yangcaom@sina.com
Yang
Shu-Hua
SH
Du
Jing-Yuan
JY
Li
Jin
J
Xu
Wei-Hua
WH
Xiong
Yu-Fang
YF
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
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; D003094:Collagen