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Effect of cell‐based VEGF gene therapy on healing of a segmental bone defect
Author(s) -
Li Ru,
Stewart Duncan J.,
von Schroeder Herbert P.,
Mackin Erin S.,
Schemitsch Emil H.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of orthopaedic research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.041
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1554-527X
pISSN - 0736-0266
DOI - 10.1002/jor.20658
Subject(s) - angiogenesis , bone healing , vascular endothelial growth factor , cd31 , medicine , genetic enhancement , ossification , wound healing , pathology , vegf receptors , surgery , chemistry , gene , biochemistry
Fracture healing requires coordinated coupling between osteogenesis and angiogenesis in which vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a key role. We hypothesized that targeted over‐expression of angiogenic and osteogenic factors within the fracture would promote bone healing by inducing development of new blood vessels and stimulating/affecting proliferation, survival, and activity of skeletal cells. Using a cell‐based method of gene transfer, without viral vector, 5.0 × 10 6 fibroblasts transfected with VEGF were delivered to a 10‐mm bone defect in rabbit tibiae (Group 1) ( n = 9); control groups were treated with fibroblasts (Group 2) ( n = 7), or saline (Group 3) ( n = 7) only. After 12 weeks, eight tibial fractures healed in Group 1, compared to four each in Groups 2 and 3. In Group 1, ossification was seen across the entire defect; in Groups 2 and 3, the defects were fibrous and sparsely ossified. Group 1 had more positively stained (CD31) vessels than Groups 2 and 3. MicroCT 3‐D showed complete bridging of the new bone for Group 1, but incomplete healing for Groups 2 and 3. MicroCT bone structural parameters showed significant differences between VEGF treatment and control groups ( p < 0.05). These results indicate that the cell‐based VEGF gene therapy has significant angiogenic and osteogenic effects to enhance healing of a segmental defect in the long bone of rabbits. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:8–14, 2009