title: Promoting lumbar spinal fusion by adenovirus-mediated bone morphogenetic protein-4 gene therapy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine whether an adenoviral construct containing bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4) gene can be used for lumbar spinal fusion.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into two groups, 8 in the experimental group and 4 in the control group. Recombinant, replication-defective type 5 adenovirus with the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter and BMP-4 gene (Ad-BMP-4) was used. Another adenovirus constructed with the CMV promoter and beta-galactosidase gene (Ad-beta-gal) was used as control. Using collagen sponge as a carrier, Ad-BMP-4 (2.9 multiply 10(8) pfu/ml ) was directly implanted on the surface of L(5)-L(6) lamina in the experimental group, while Ad-beta-gal was implanted simultaneously in the control group. X-ray was obtained at 3, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively to observe new bone formation. When new bone formation was identified, CT scans and three-dimensional reconstruction were obtained. After that, the animals were killed and underwent histological inspection.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In 12 weeks after operation, new bone formation and fusion were observed on CT scans in the experimental group, without the evidence of ectopic calcification in the canal. Negative results were found in the control group. Histological analysis demonstrated endochondral bone formation at the operative site and fusion at early stage was testified.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In vivo gene therapy using Ad-BMP-4 for lumbar posterolateral spinal fusion is practicable and effective.
authors: Department of Orthopedics, Nantong University Hospital, Nantong 226001, China. drzhaojian@hotmail.com
authors: Jian
authors: J
authors: Zhao
authors: Dun-yan
authors: DY
authors: Zhao
authors: Ai-guo
authors: AG
authors: Shen
authors: Fan
authors: F
authors: Liu
authors: Feng
authors: F
authors: Zhang
authors: Yu
authors: Y
authors: Sun
authors: Hong-fu
authors: HF
authors: Wu
authors: Chun-feng
authors: CF
authors: Lu
authors: Hong-guang
authors: HG
authors: Shi
mesh_terms: D000256:Adenoviridae / Q000235:genetics; D000818:Animals; D055415:Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D011817:Rabbits; D013123:Spinal Fusion
chemical_list: C525809:BMP4 protein, human; D055415:Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins