HGF-transgenic MSCs can improve the effects of tissue self-repair in a rabbit model of traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head.
BACKGROUND
Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is generally characterized as an irreversible disease and tends to cause permanent disability. Therefore, understanding the pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms of ONFH and developing effective therapeutic methods is critical for slowing the progress of the disease.


RESULTS
In this study, an experimental rabbit model of early stage traumatic ONFH was established, validated, and used for an evaluation of therapy. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging confirmed that this model represents clinical Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) phase I or II ONFH, which was also confirmed by the presence of significant tissue damage in osseous tissue and vasculature. Pathological examination detected obvious self-repair of bone tissue up to 2 weeks after trauma, as indicated by revascularization (marked by CD105) and expression of collagen type I (Col I), osteocalcin, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Transplantation of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-transgenic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) 1 week after trauma promoted recovery from ONFH, as evidenced by a reversed pattern of Col I expression compared with animals receiving no therapeutic treatment, as well as increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor.


CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that the transplantation of HGF-transgenic MSCs is a promising method for the treatment for ONFH and suggest that appropriate interference therapy during the tissue self-repair stage contributes to the positive outcomes. This study also provides a model for the further study of the ONFH etiology and therapeutic interventions.
Institute of Molecular Immunology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
Qian
Q
Wen
Dan
D
Jin
Chao-Ying
CY
Zhou
Ming-Qian
MQ
Zhou
Wei
W
Luo
Li
L
Ma
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005270:Femur Head / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D005271:Femur Head Necrosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D017228:Hepatocyte Growth Factor / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D045164:Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D011817:Rabbits; D011859:Radiography; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*
D017228:Hepatocyte Growth Factor