Revascularization and bone remodeling of frozen allografts stimulated by intramedullary sustained delivery of FGF‐2 and VEGF

Frozen bone allografts are susceptible to nonunion and fracture due to limited revascularization and incomplete bone remodeling. We aim to revascularize bone allografts by combining angiogenesis from implanted arteriovenous (AV) bundles with delivery of fibroblast growth factor (FGF‐2) and/or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) via biodegradable microspheres. Rat femoral diaphyseal allografts were frozen at ?80°C, and heterotopically transplanted over a major histocompatibility mismatch. A saphenous AV bundle was inserted into the intramedullary canal. Growth factor was encapsulated into microspheres and inserted into the graft, providing localized and sustained drug release. Forty rats were included in four groups: (I) phosphate‐buffered saline, (II) FGF‐2, (III) VEGF, and (IV) FGF‐2 + VEGF. At 4 weeks, angiogenesis was measured by the hydrogen washout method and microangiography. Bone remodeling was evaluated by quantitative histomorphometry and histology. Bone blood flow was significantly higher in groups III and IV compared to control (p < 0.05). Similarly, bone remodeling was higher in VEGF groups. FGF‐2 had little effect on allograft revascularization. No synergistic effect was observed with use of both cytokines. Delivered in microspheres, VEGF proved to be a potent angiogenic cytokine, increasing cortical bone blood flow and new bone formation in frozen allografts revascularized with an implanted AV bundle. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1431–1436, 2011     

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene transfer enhances surgical revascularization of necrotic bone.

Avascular necrosis of bone is a relatively common clinical condition caused by inflammatory conditions, steroid or other drug use, and trauma that affect many different sites in man. Revascularization of the necrotic bone is slow to occur, often resulting in bone resorption and eventual collapse of the involved bone. Rapid revascularization and subsequent bone remodeling may lead to improved outcomes. Surgical revascularization with arterovenous bundles (AV bundles) or vascularized bone grafts results in neoangiogenesis and bone remodeling. Gene transfer of an angiogenic factor to the vessel wall may be an additional strategy to further accelerate this process. In this study, we examined the effectiveness of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene transfer to augment surgical revascularization of necrotic bone. An adenoviral vector, either with the VEGF gene (VEGF-A) or identical virus without the cDNA VEGF insert (ADV-DeltaE1) was used to transduce endothelial cells in rabbit saphenous arteries. The artery was then placed with its venae comitantes as an AV bundle into necrotic iliac crest bone in vivo. Angiogenesis in the necrotic bone was quantified by bone blood flow measurement and assessment of vessel density following microangiography. The extent of neoangiogenesis was significantly greater in the VEGF group than the control group at 1 week postoperatively.     

Platelet-rich plasma accelerated surgical angio-genesis in vascular-implanted necrotic bone: an experimental study in rabbits

Background Platelets contain many kinds of growth factors with the ability to accelerate angiogenesis. We analyzed whether a single injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) would accelerate surgical angiogenesis in necrotic bone implanted with vascular tissue.

Methods We used 24 Japanese White rabbits. PRP was refined from autologous blood by separation twice with centrifugation. A removed iliac bone was frozen in liquid nitrogen to ensure complete cellular necrosis. A narrow hole was made in the bone and the saphenous vascular bundle was passed through the hole. The bone was wrapped after injection of either 1 mL (1) PRP, or (2) saline solution into the hole, and was placed subcu-taneously in the thigh. In both groups, angiogenesis was compared 1 week and 2 weeks after surgery.

Result Angiogenesis was observed along the implanted vascular bundle in both groups. At 1 and 2 weeks after surgery, both the vessel density and the average length of newly formed vessels of the experimental group were significantly greater than in the control group. Both the vessel density and the length were greater after 2 weeks than after 1 week.

Interpretation A single injection of PRP accelerates surgical angiogenesis in vascular-implanted necrotic bone.     

Effect of rhBMP‐2 and VEGF in a vascularized bone allotransplant experimental model based on surgical neoangiogenesis

We have demonstrated survival of living allogeneic bone without long‐term immunosuppression using short‐term immunosuppression and simultaneous creation of an autogenous neoagiogenic circulation. In this study, bone morphogenic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2), and/or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), were used to augment this process. Femoral diaphyseal bone was transplanted heterotopically from 46 Dark Agouti to 46 Lewis rats. Microvascular repair of the allotransplant nutrient pedicle was combined with intra‐medullary implantation of an autogenous saphenous arteriovenous (AV) bundle and biodegradable microspheres containing buffer (control), rhBMP‐2 or rhBMP‐2 + VEGF. FK‐506 given daily for 14 days maintained nutrient pedicle flow during angiogenesis. After an 18 weeks survival period, we measured angiogenesis (capillary density) from the AV bundle and cortical bone blood flow. Both measures were greater in the combined (rhBMP‐2 + VEGF) group than rhBMP‐2 and control groups (p < 0.05). Osteoblast counts were also higher in the rhBMP‐2 + VEGF group (p < 0.05). A trend towards greater bone formation was seen in both rhBMP2 + VGF and rhBMP2 groups as compared to controls (p = 0.059). Local administration of VEGF and rhBMP‐2 augments angiogenesis, osteoblastic activity and bone blood flow from implanted blood vessels of donor origin in vascularized bone allografts. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 561–566, 2013     

Acceleration of surgical angiogenesis in necrotic bone with a single injection of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2).

The aim of this study was to accelerate angiogenesis in necrotic bone by combining vascular bundle implantation and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) administration. Twenty-four Japanese white rabbits were evaluated in this study. A portion of a rabbit iliac crest bone was removed as a free bone graft and frozen in liquid nitrogen to ensure complete cellular necrosis. A narrow hole was created in the bone and the graft was placed in the proximal thigh. In group 1, FGF-2 was injected into the hole at a single dose of 100 microg, and the saphenous artery and its venae comitantes were passed through the hole of the bone. In group 2, injection of saline into the hole and the vascular bundle implantation was used as a control. Neovascularization around the vessel was evaluated at weeks 1 and 2 after surgery. Neovascularization was observed along the implanted vascular bundle in both groups. At both 1 and 2 weeks after surgery, the vessel density of group 1 was significantly higher than that of group 2. The average length of newly formed vessels of group 1 was also significantly longer than that of group 2 at both 1 and 2 weeks after surgery. Both the vessel density and length were greater in week 2 animals than week 1. A local single injection of FGF-2 improved surgical angiogenesis in necrotic bone in this study. As FGF-2 is recognized as a potent mitogen for a variety of mesenchymal cells, the combination of vascular bundle implantation and FGF-2 administration may contribute to the treatment of ischemic osteonecrosis.     

血管束植入组织工程骨修复兔股骨缺损对血管内皮生长因子表达的影响

目的 探讨血管束植入组织工程骨修复兔股骨缺损对局部血管内皮生长因了(VEGF)表达的影响.方法 将兔自体骨髓基质下细胞经诱导后与β-磷酸三钙材料复合,植入制备的兔股骨缺损处,其中实验组在材料侧槽中植入股骨的动静脉血管束,对照组则单纯植入组织工稗骨,分别于术后2、4、8、12周通过形态学检测新生骨量,免疫组织化学方法检测新生骨中VEGF的表达量.结果 随着时间进展,各组成骨量逐渐增加,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),并且从第4周开始实验组成骨量高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);符时问点实验组新生骨中VEGF的表达最均高于对照组,差异有统汁学意义(P<0.05),且4周时达到最人值.结论 血管束植入组织工程骨可明显增加新生骨中VEGF的表达并能促进骨缺损的修复.     

血管束植入组织工程骨修复兔股骨缺损对血管内皮生长因子表达的影响

目的 探讨血管束植入组织工程骨修复兔股骨缺损对局部血管内皮生长因了(VEGF)表达的影响.方法 将兔自体骨髓基质下细胞经诱导后与β-磷酸三钙材料复合,植入制备的兔股骨缺损处,其中实验组在材料侧槽中植入股骨的动静脉血管束,对照组则单纯植入组织工稗骨,分别于术后2、4、8、12周通过形态学检测新生骨量,免疫组织化学方法检测新生骨中VEGF的表达量.结果 随着时间进展,各组成骨量逐渐增加,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),并且从第4周开始实验组成骨量高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);符时问点实验组新生骨中VEGF的表达最均高于对照组,差异有统汁学意义(P<0.05),且4周时达到最人值.结论 血管束植入组织工程骨可明显增加新生骨中VEGF的表达并能促进骨缺损的修复.     

血管束植入组织工程骨修复兔股骨缺损对血管内皮生长因子表达的影响

目的 探讨血管束植入组织工程骨修复兔股骨缺损对局部血管内皮生长因了(VEGF)表达的影响.方法 将兔自体骨髓基质下细胞经诱导后与β-磷酸三钙材料复合,植入制备的兔股骨缺损处,其中实验组在材料侧槽中植入股骨的动静脉血管束,对照组则单纯植入组织工稗骨,分别于术后2、4、8、12周通过形态学检测新生骨量,免疫组织化学方法检测新生骨中VEGF的表达量.结果 随着时间进展,各组成骨量逐渐增加,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),并且从第4周开始实验组成骨量高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);符时问点实验组新生骨中VEGF的表达最均高于对照组,差异有统汁学意义(P<0.05),且4周时达到最人值.结论 血管束植入组织工程骨可明显增加新生骨中VEGF的表达并能促进骨缺损的修复.     

血管束植入组织工程骨修复兔股骨缺损对血管内皮生长因子表达的影响

目的 探讨血管束植入组织工程骨修复兔股骨缺损对局部血管内皮生长因了(VEGF)表达的影响.方法 将兔自体骨髓基质下细胞经诱导后与β-磷酸三钙材料复合,植入制备的兔股骨缺损处,其中实验组在材料侧槽中植入股骨的动静脉血管束,对照组则单纯植入组织工稗骨,分别于术后2、4、8、12周通过形态学检测新生骨量,免疫组织化学方法检测新生骨中VEGF的表达量.结果 随着时间进展,各组成骨量逐渐增加,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),并且从第4周开始实验组成骨量高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);符时问点实验组新生骨中VEGF的表达最均高于对照组,差异有统汁学意义(P<0.05),且4周时达到最人值.结论 血管束植入组织工程骨可明显增加新生骨中VEGF的表达并能促进骨缺损的修复.     

血管束植入组织工程骨修复兔股骨缺损对血管内皮生长因子表达的影响

目的 探讨血管束植入组织工程骨修复兔股骨缺损对局部血管内皮生长因了(VEGF)表达的影响.方法 将兔自体骨髓基质下细胞经诱导后与β-磷酸三钙材料复合,植入制备的兔股骨缺损处,其中实验组在材料侧槽中植入股骨的动静脉血管束,对照组则单纯植入组织工稗骨,分别于术后2、4、8、12周通过形态学检测新生骨量,免疫组织化学方法检测新生骨中VEGF的表达量.结果 随着时间进展,各组成骨量逐渐增加,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),并且从第4周开始实验组成骨量高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);符时问点实验组新生骨中VEGF的表达最均高于对照组,差异有统汁学意义(P<0.05),且4周时达到最人值.结论 血管束植入组织工程骨可明显增加新生骨中VEGF的表达并能促进骨缺损的修复.     

血管束植入组织工程骨修复兔股骨缺损对血管内皮生长因子表达的影响

目的 探讨血管束植入组织工程骨修复兔股骨缺损对局部血管内皮生长因了(VEGF)表达的影响.方法 将兔自体骨髓基质下细胞经诱导后与β-磷酸三钙材料复合,植入制备的兔股骨缺损处,其中实验组在材料侧槽中植入股骨的动静脉血管束,对照组则单纯植入组织工稗骨,分别于术后2、4、8、12周通过形态学检测新生骨量,免疫组织化学方法检测新生骨中VEGF的表达量.结果 随着时间进展,各组成骨量逐渐增加,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),并且从第4周开始实验组成骨量高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);符时问点实验组新生骨中VEGF的表达最均高于对照组,差异有统汁学意义(P<0.05),且4周时达到最人值.结论 血管束植入组织工程骨可明显增加新生骨中VEGF的表达并能促进骨缺损的修复.     

血管束植入组织工程骨修复兔股骨缺损对血管内皮生长因子表达的影响

目的 探讨血管束植入组织工程骨修复兔股骨缺损对局部血管内皮生长因了(VEGF)表达的影响.方法 将兔自体骨髓基质下细胞经诱导后与β-磷酸三钙材料复合,植入制备的兔股骨缺损处,其中实验组在材料侧槽中植入股骨的动静脉血管束,对照组则单纯植入组织工稗骨,分别于术后2、4、8、12周通过形态学检测新生骨量,免疫组织化学方法检测新生骨中VEGF的表达量.结果 随着时间进展,各组成骨量逐渐增加,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),并且从第4周开始实验组成骨量高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);符时问点实验组新生骨中VEGF的表达最均高于对照组,差异有统汁学意义(P<0.05),且4周时达到最人值.结论 血管束植入组织工程骨可明显增加新生骨中VEGF的表达并能促进骨缺损的修复.     

血管束植入组织工程骨修复兔股骨缺损对血管内皮生长因子表达的影响

目的 探讨血管束植入组织工程骨修复兔股骨缺损对局部血管内皮生长因了(VEGF)表达的影响.方法 将兔自体骨髓基质下细胞经诱导后与β-磷酸三钙材料复合,植入制备的兔股骨缺损处,其中实验组在材料侧槽中植入股骨的动静脉血管束,对照组则单纯植入组织工稗骨,分别于术后2、4、8、12周通过形态学检测新生骨量,免疫组织化学方法检测新生骨中VEGF的表达量.结果 随着时间进展,各组成骨量逐渐增加,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),并且从第4周开始实验组成骨量高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);符时问点实验组新生骨中VEGF的表达最均高于对照组,差异有统汁学意义(P<0.05),且4周时达到最人值.结论 血管束植入组织工程骨可明显增加新生骨中VEGF的表达并能促进骨缺损的修复.     

血管束植入组织工程骨修复兔股骨缺损对血管内皮生长因子表达的影响

目的 探讨血管束植入组织工程骨修复兔股骨缺损对局部血管内皮生长因了(VEGF)表达的影响.方法 将兔自体骨髓基质下细胞经诱导后与β-磷酸三钙材料复合,植入制备的兔股骨缺损处,其中实验组在材料侧槽中植入股骨的动静脉血管束,对照组则单纯植入组织工稗骨,分别于术后2、4、8、12周通过形态学检测新生骨量,免疫组织化学方法检测新生骨中VEGF的表达量.结果 随着时间进展,各组成骨量逐渐增加,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),并且从第4周开始实验组成骨量高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);符时问点实验组新生骨中VEGF的表达最均高于对照组,差异有统汁学意义(P<0.05),且4周时达到最人值.结论 血管束植入组织工程骨可明显增加新生骨中VEGF的表达并能促进骨缺损的修复.     

血管束植入组织工程骨修复兔股骨缺损对血管内皮生长因子表达的影响

目的 探讨血管束植入组织工程骨修复兔股骨缺损对局部血管内皮生长因了(VEGF)表达的影响.方法 将兔自体骨髓基质下细胞经诱导后与β-磷酸三钙材料复合,植入制备的兔股骨缺损处,其中实验组在材料侧槽中植入股骨的动静脉血管束,对照组则单纯植入组织工稗骨,分别于术后2、4、8、12周通过形态学检测新生骨量,免疫组织化学方法检测新生骨中VEGF的表达量.结果 随着时间进展,各组成骨量逐渐增加,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),并且从第4周开始实验组成骨量高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);符时问点实验组新生骨中VEGF的表达最均高于对照组,差异有统汁学意义(P<0.05),且4周时达到最人值.结论 血管束植入组织工程骨可明显增加新生骨中VEGF的表达并能促进骨缺损的修复.     

Host-derived angiogenesis maintains bone blood flow after withdrawal of immunosuppression

A novel method of living bone allotransplantation combining microvascular repair of the nutrient circulation, implantation of host-derived arteriovenous (AV) bundles, and short-term immunosuppression is described. We hypothesized that neoangiogenesis from the implanted vessels would maintain graft viability and circulation after withdrawal of FK506 (Tacrolimus) immunosuppression. Vascularized femoral transplantation was performed between DA and PVG rats. In addition to microsurgical pedicle anastomoses, a saphenous AV bundle from the recipient animal was implanted in the medullary space. Ninety-seven rats were randomly allocated to groups differing in immunosuppression and AV bundle patency. Implanted vessels significantly improved capillary density and bone blood flow in nonimmunosuppressed and immmunosuppressed groups, respectively. A lower incidence of spontaneous AV bundle thrombosis was found with Tacrolimus treatment. More viable osteocytes were seen at 4 weeks when the AV bundle was patent. Further investigations may confirm host-derived neoangiogenesis as an alternative to tolerance induction or immunosuppression in bone allotransplantation.     

血管束骨内移植重建离断骨血液循环的实验研究

为了研究离断骨在一定应力状态下植入血管束后，能否重建骨的血液循环以及血管束移植对成骨的影响，作者将１８只成年杂种犬胫骨两端截断，切除实验骨区的骨膜，胫骨离断面填入硅胶膜以阻断两侧干骺端血供，将离骨段固定于原位；分离出胫前动静脉束并结扎。随机分成３组，实验Ａ组（ｎ＝７）：结扎后的血管直接植入骨髓腔；Ｂ组（ｎ＝７）：血管束打孔后植入骨髓腔；Ｃ组（ｎ＝４）：离断后的胫骨段内不植血管，作为对照。术后分别于不同时间进行血管造影、血管筑型、大体及组织学和电镜观察。实验结果显示：原实验骨因初期缺血均发生无菌性坏死；在一定应力状态下，血管束骨内移植后，植入的血管再生旺盛，骨髓腔内成骨活跃。结果表明，血管束骨内移植后可重建坏死骨的血液循环，膜性化骨和软骨内化骨在成骨因素中均发挥着重要作用。     

Augmentation of surgical angiogenesis in vascularized bone allotransplants with host‐derived a/v bundle implantation,fibroblast growth factor‐2, and vascular endothelial growth factor administration

We have previously shown experimental transplantation of living allogeneic bone to be feasible without long‐term immunosuppression by development of a recipient‐derived neoangiogenic circulation within bone. In this study, we examine the role of angiogenic cytokine delivery with biodegradable microspheres to enhance this process. Microsurgical femoral allotransplantation was performed from Dark Agouti to Piebald Virol Glaxo rats. Poly(D,L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) microspheres loaded with buffer, basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), or both, were inserted intramedullarly along with a recipient‐derived arteriovenous (a/v) bundle. FK‐506 was administered daily for 14 days, then discontinued. At 28 days, bone blood flow was measured using hydrogen washout. Microangiography, histologic, and histomorphometric analyses were performed. Capillary density was greater in the FGF+VEGF group (35.1%) than control (13.9%) (p < 0.05), and a linear trend was found from control, FGF, VEGF, to FGF+VEGF (p < 0.005). Bone formation rates were greater with VEGF (p < 0.01) and FGF+VEGF (p < 0.05). VEGF or FGF alone increased blood flow more than when combined. Histology rejection grading was low in all grafts. Local administration of vascular and fibroblast growth factors augments angiogenesis, bone formation, and bone blood flow from implanted blood vessels of donor origin in vascularized bone allografts after removal of immunosuppression. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1015–1021, 2010     

Deproteinized bone with VEGF gene transfer to facilitate the repair of early avascular necrosis of femoral head of rabbit

Objective: To explore a new method for early avascular necrosis of femoral head (AVNFH) therapy.Methods: Sixty-nine AVNFH New Zealand adult rabbits were randomly divided into three groups with equal number. In Group A, deproteinized bone (DPB) that absorbed with recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1-hVEGF165 was implanted into the drilled tunnel of necrotic femoral head. In Group B, only DPB was implanted. In Group C, only tunnel was drilled without DPB or plasmid implanted. Femoral head specimens were obtained at postoperative 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 weeks. The expression of VEGF165 and collagen I was detected by immunohistochemistry. Bone formation was detected generally by X-ray. Angiogenesis and the repair of the femoral head were observed histologically.Results: The expression of VEGF 165 could be detected 2 weeks after implantation in Group A, but it was not observed in other groups. The result of collagen I expression had a significantly difference 2, 4 and 8 weeks after operation in Group A from those in other groups (P＜0.01).X-ray results indicated that there was more bone formation in Group A than in other groups. The regenerated capillary vessels staining result of necrotic femoral head in Group A was significantly different from those in other groups at postoperative 2 and 4 weeks (P＜0.01).Conclusions: Transfection ofhVEGF165 gene enhances local angiogenesis and DPB-VEGF compound improves the repair of necrotic femoral head. Deproteinized bone grafting with VEGF gene transfer provides a potential method for the treatment of osteonecrosis.     

Short-term immunosuppression and surgical neoangiogenesis with host vessels maintains long-term viability of vascularized bone allografts.

Currently available methods to reconstruct large skeletal defects have limitations. These include nonunion and stress fractures in structural allografts, and inability to match the size, shape, and/or strength of most recipient sites using vascularized fibular autografts. Prosthetic diaphyseal replacements may loosen or produce periprosthetic fractures. Transplantation of living allogenic bone would enable matching donor bone to the recipient site, combined with the desirable healing and remodeling properties of living bone. We propose a novel method by which the transplantation of such tissue might be done without the risks of life-long immunosuppression, using surgical neoangiogenesis to develop a new host-derived osseous blood supply. We performed vascularized femoral allografts from 86 female Dark Agouti donor rats to male Piebald Virol Glaxo recipients across a major histocompatibility (MHC) barrier. In addition to microvascular reconstruction of the nutrient vessel, we surgically implanted a host arteriovenous (AV) bundle into the medullary canal to promote host vessel neoangiogenesis. Independent variables included patency of the implanted AV bundle, and use of 2 weeks' FK-506 immunosuppression. After 18 weeks, bone blood flow was measured, and neoangiogenic capillary density quantified. Bone blood flow and capillary density were significantly greater in transiently immunosuppressed recipients with a patent AV pedicle. We conclude that neoangiogenesis from implanted host-derived AV-bundles, combined with short-term immunosuppression maintains blood flow in vascularized bone allografts, and offers potential for clinical application.