The Use of Sequential VEGF- and BMP2-Releasing Biodegradable Scaffolds in Rabbit Mandibular Defects.
OBJECTIVE
Promising developments have materialized in reconstructive surgical procedures with the applications of tissue engineering. In our study, we used tissue scaffolds fabricated from polylactic acid-polyethylene glycol (PLLA-PEG) copolymers to ensure different release rates of selective growth factors recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 [rhBMP-2] and vascular endothelial growth factor (rhVEGF165) in the repair of mandibular bone defects.


METHODS
In our experimental study, 54 New Zealand rabbits were used. The rabbits were separated into 4 groups: group I (control group), PLLA-PEG scaffold only; group II, PLLA-PEG scaffold plus rhBMP-2 application; group III, PLLA-PEG scaffold plus VEGF165 application; and group IV, PLLA-PEG scaffold plus rhBMP-2 and VEGF165 applications. The rabbits were killed at 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively, and histopathologic and immunohistochemical assessments were performed.


RESULTS
The greatest bone volume was observed in rhBMP-2-containing groups, the greatest vessel volume was observed in VEGF165-containing groups; however, the scaffold containing rhBMP-2 and VEGF165 provided the best outcomes in conjunction with increased remodeling of the new bone.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of polymer tissue scaffolds that release rhVEGF165 and rhBMP-2 in coordination and mimic the natural healing process in the regeneration of especially complex tissues, such as bone, is a promising treatment alternative in the field of reconstructive surgery.
Associate Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey. Electronic address: nfozkan@hotmail.com.
Nilüfer
N
Çakır-Özkan
Assistant Professor, Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Gaziosmanpaşa University, Tokat, Turkey.
Sinan
S
Eğri
Assistant Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Gaziosmanpaşa University, Tokat, Turkey.
Esengül
E
Bekar
Associate Professor, Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey.
B Zuhal
BZ
Altunkaynak
Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey.
Yonca Betil
YB
Kabak
Research Assistant, Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey.
Elfide Gizem
EG
Kıvrak
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000818:Animals; D055396:Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery*; D063175:Mandibular Reconstruction / Q000379:methods*; D010012:Osteogenesis / Q000187:drug effects; D011817:Rabbits; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D055396:Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A