eCM (Eur Cell Mater / e Cells & Materials) eCM Open Access Scientific Journal
 ISSN:1473-2262         NLM:100973416 (link)         DOI:10.22203/eCM

2010   Volume No 20 – pages 367-378

Title: In vivo comparison of the effects of RHBMP-2 and RHBMP-4 in osteochondral tissue regeneration

Author: Y Lópiz-Morales, A Abarrategi, V Ramos, C Moreno-Vicente, L López-Durán, JL López-Lacomba, F Marco

Address: Instituto de Estudios Biofuncionales, Paseo Juan XXIII, 1 (28040) Madrid, Spain

E-mail: lacomba at farm.ucm.es

Key Words: Biomaterials, cartilage, in vivo, BMP signalling, tissue engineering

Publication date: December 10th 2010

Abstract: The aim of this work is to investigate the use of bone morphogenetic proteins (rhBMP-2, rhBMP-4) alone or in combination with cells delivered in a calcium alginate gel for the treatment of osteochondral defects. For this purpose, alginate gels were prepared mixing a 2% sodium alginate solution and a 200mM calcium chloride solution (1:1). Osteochondral defects were created (4mm wide, 5mm deep) in the internal femoral condyle of rabbit knee and gels were directly formed into the defects. 3 months after surgery samples were harvested, gross morphology was documented and histological appearance was evaluated. The performed histological observations revealed subchondral bone regeneration in rhBMP-2 samples and moderate hyaline cartilage regeneration in rhBMP-4 samples. Thus, results indicate that alginate gel may serve as an appropriate delivery vehicle for rhBMP-2, rhBMP-4 and stromal cells. With this carrier material, differential behaviour between the evaluated proteins was observed. rhBMP-2 shows better restoration of subchondral bone in contrast to the superior efficiency of rhBMP-4 for hyaline cartilage repair.

Article download: Pages 367-378 (PDF file)
DOI: 10.22203/eCM.v020a30