Bone lengthening osteogenesis,a combination of intramembranous and endochondral ossification: an experimental study in sheep

We evaluated the morphological features of the newly formed tissue in an experimental model of tibial callotasis lengthening on 24 lambs, aged from 2 to 3 months at the time of operation. A unilateral external fixator prototype Monotube Triax^® (Stryker Howmedica Osteonics, New Jersey) was applied to the left tibia. A percutaneous osteotomy was performed in a minimally traumatic manner using a chisel. Lengthening was started 7 days after surgery and was continued to 30 mm. The 24 animals were randomly divided into three groups of 8 animals each: in Group 1, lengthening took place at a rate of 1 mm/day for 30 days; in Group 2, at a rate of 2 mm/day for 15 days; in Group 3, at a rate of 3 mm/day for 10 days. In each group, 4 animals were killed 2 weeks after end of lengthening, and the other 4 animals at 4 weeks after end of lengthening. To assess bony formation in the distraction area, radiographs were taken every 2 weeks from the day of surgery. To study the process of vascularization, we used Spalteholz’s technique. After killing, the tibia of each animal was harvested, and sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson’s trichrome, and Safranin-O. Immunohistochemistry was performed, using specific antibodies to detect collagens I and II, S100 protein, and fibronectin. A combination of intramembranous and endochondral ossification occurred together at the site of distraction. Our study provides a detailed structural characterization of the newly formed tissue in an experimental model of tibial lengthening in sheep and may be useful for further investigations on callotasis.     

Changes in lipids during matrix: Induced endochondral bone formation

Summary The changes in lipids occurring during the process of endochondral ossification have been characterized by studying the discrete phases of matrix-induced endochondral bone formation in the rat. Calcium-acidic phospholipid-phosphate complexes were shown to increase in concentration during cartilage calcification (day 9) and to peak in content during early bone formation (day 11–13), the times during which the rate of mineral deposition, as indicated by the change in ash weight was greatest. These data support the hypothesis that the calcium-acidic phospholipid-phosphate complexes play a role in thein vivo initiation of hydroxyapatite deposition. The overall lipid composition of the induced matrix newly formed cartilage (days 7–9) was comparable to that of normal cartilage, with the phospholipid composition matching that of chondrocyte plasma membranes. Times of vascular invasion and formation of marrow cavities were marked by elevated total lipid and triglyceride contents.     

The relationship between metabolic status and endochondral calcification in the process of bone development following decalcified bone matrix implantation

Experimental bone formation induced by decalcified bone matrix is an excellent model in vivo for studying endochondral bone formation. This study investigated the relationship between metabolic status and the onset of initial calcification in a decalcified matrix implanted subcutaneously in rat to characterize changes at discrete phases after implantation. Morphological evaluation and analyses of acid soluble mineral contents revealed that calcification took place on day 12 in regions of hypertrophic cartilage which were newly produced in the bone matrix. Levels of inorganic phosphate ions increased from day 6 and plateaued on day 9. Alkaline phosphatase activities peaked on day 12, and thereafter decreased with the progression of calcification. Energy charge ratio (ECR), which was considered to be an index reflecting the energy status of cells, was found to have shifted to lower values with the onset of calcification. These data support the hypothesis that the metabolic status of cells is closely associated with the beginning of calcification.     

Induction of endochondral bone by demineralized bone matrix from diabetic rats

Summary In this investigation we examined the osteoinductive potential of demineralized bone matrix derived from chronically diabetic (streptozotocin-induced) rats. Long-Evans rats (28–31 days) were made diabetic with a single injection of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) and provided food and waterad lib for 2 months. Diaphyseal shafts of femurs and tibias removed from the diabetic rats and their sibling controls were dehydrated, pulverized, sieved to 74–420 μm particles, and demineralized Matrix was then bioassayed for its ability to induce endochondral bone on day 11 following subcutaneous implantation over the thorax of Long-Evans rats. The resulting plaques of tissue were subjected to histological analysis, determination of alkaline phosphatase activity, and calcium content. Bone matrix derived from diabetic animals proved to be a significantly better inducer of endochondral bone than did control matrix.     

脱钙骨基质在四肢植骨中应用的有效性及安全性的系统评价与Meta分析

目的研究脱钙骨基质（DBM）在四肢植骨手术中的疗效,对所有已获得的数据进行系统综述和Meta分析,评价DBM在四肢植骨手术中作为骨移植替代物的有效性及安全性。 方法在PubMed、MEDLINE,EMBASE和Cochrane协作网图书馆中进行文献检索。检索DBM在四肢植骨手术中的应用,根据文献纳入标准进行选择。重点选择数据可以被提取以及能够进行Meta分析的文章。 结果44项研究符合纳入标准,其中随机对照试验3篇,病例系列研究27篇,病例-对照研究14篇。所有的研究报告均未报道DBM作为移植物,融合部位出现破坏或者移位。 结论1项病例系列研究认为,使用Allomatrix DBM作为自体骨移植的替代品,其极高的并发症风险是不可接受的。余下43项研究报告得出的结果均为DBM与自体骨和其他骨移植替代材料相比较具有非劣效性,根据患者的随访报告结果可以认为DBM作为骨移植替代材料的融合率和安全性是有保障的,但是这方面证据的数量和质量是非常有限的。     

Use of demineralized bone matrix in the extremities

Autologous bone graft is considered as the gold standard for all indications for bone grafting procedures but the limited availability and complications in donor site resulted in seeking other options like allografts and bone graft substitutes. Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) is an allograft product with no quantity limitation. It is an osteoconductive material with osteoinductive capabilities, which vary among different products, depending on donor characteristics and differences in processing of the bone. The purpose of the present review is to provide a critical review of the existing literature concerning the use of DBM products in various procedures in the extremities. Clinical studies describing the use of DBM alone or in combination with other grafting material are available for only a few commercial products. The Level of Evidence of these studies and the resulting Grades of Recommendation are very low. In conclusion, further clinical studies of higher quality are required in order to improve the Recommendation Grades for or against the use of DBM products in bone grafting procedures.     

Extracellular matrix alterations during endochondral ossification in humans

Immunohistochemical methods were employed to examine alterations in the cartilage extracellular matrix constituents associated with endochondral ossification in humans. The distributions of chondroitin 4- and 6-sulfate and keratan sulfate proteoglycan (PG) determinants, cartilage PG link protein, collagen types I and II, and fibronectin were determined in iliac crest growth-plate specimens using the avidin-biotin-horseradish peroxidase system. Collagen type II was distributed throughout the growth plate, providing a framework within which chondrocytes divided and formed clusters of differentiating (hypertrophic) cells. The septa between these clusters and their subchondral extensions into underlying bone trabeculae were rich in PG, PG link protein, and collagen type II and resembled the extracellular matrix of reserve cartilage. The territorial matrix associated with the differentiating cells within the clusters contained reduced amounts of collagen type II, PG link protein, and possibly cartilage PG. Collagen type I and fibronectin were detected within the cytoplasm of the maturing and degenerating cells, and fibronectin localized intensely to the pericellular matrix envelopes of these cells. These alterations presumably facilitate the degradation of the matrix associated with the cell clusters by invading vascular tissue, while the septa, which retain the characteristics of more typical cartilage matrix, are not degraded and firmly anchor the cartilage to the subchondral bone.     

Use of demineralized bone matrix in spinal fusion

Spinal fusion remains the gold-standard treatment for several pathological spine conditions. Although, autologous Iliac Crest Bone Grafting is considered the gold-standard graft choice to promote spinal fusion; however, it is associated with significant donor site morbidity and a limited graft quantity. Therefore, several bone graft alternatives have been developed, to augment arthrodesis. The purpose of this review is to present the results of clinical studies concerning the use of demineralized bone matrix (DBM), alone or as a composite graft, in the spinal fusion. A critical review of the English-language literature was conducted on Pubmed, using key word “demineralized bone matrix”, “DBM”, “spinal fusion”, and “scoliosis”. Results had been restricted to clinical studies. The majority of clinical trials demonstrate satisfactory fusion rates when DBM is employed as a graft extender or a graft enhancer. Limited number of prospective randomized controlled trials (4 studies), have been performed comparing DBM to autologous iliac crest bone graft in spine fusion. The majority of the clinical trials demonstrate comparable efficacy of DBM when it used as a graft extender in combination with autograft, but there is no clinical evidence to support its use as a standalone graft material. Additionally, high level of evidence studies are required, in order to optimize and clarify the indications of its use and the appropriate patient population that will benefit from DBM in spine arthrodesis.     

荧光活性染料DiI标记观察人骨髓基质干细胞与部分脱钙骨粘附的实验研究

目的通过荧光活性染料DiI标记观察骨髓基质干细胞在部分脱钙骨上的粘附。方法用DiI标记人骨髓基质干细胞,接种于部分脱钙骨上,测定细胞的粘附率。于接种后第2、4、7天激光共聚焦显微镜观察细胞在支架材料上的生长状况。结果DiI标记的骨髓基质干细胞的粘附率为(99.9±0.2)%,未标记的骨髓基质干细胞粘附率为(99.1±1)%,两者无统计学差异(P>0.05);第7天时细胞脱钙骨内孔覆盖。结论荧光活性染料DiI标记不影响骨髓基质干细胞在部分脱钙骨支架上的粘附,是观察骨髓基质干细胞在脱钙骨支架上粘附状况的较好方法。     

新型硫酸钙和脱钙骨基质混合物的临床应用

目的 评价新型硫酸钙和脱钙骨基质混合物作为骨移植替代物的临床应用效果. 方法 2005年2月至2008年2月采用新型人工骨移植治疗51例患者,按照植入物不同分为两组:人工骨与自体骨混合组21例,即植人硫酸钙和脱钙骨基质混合物加自体骨;单纯人工骨组30例,只植入硫酸钙和脱钙骨基质混合物.术后定期复查,观察人工骨吸收和新骨生长情况. 结果 51例切口一期愈合,无局部红肿、渗出.3例患者失访,48例随访6～36个月,平均16个月.单纯人工骨组术后4周可见人工骨部分吸收,颗粒形态模糊,术后8～12周(平均9.6周)完伞吸收,可见新生骨质,术后8～16周(平均11周)骨性愈合.人工骨与自体骨混和组术后8～12周(平均11.5周)人工骨颗粒完全吸收,骨折不愈合患者术后14～24周(平均19周)获骨性愈合,其余患者术后9～20周(平均13周)获骨性愈合. 结论 新型人工骨能够发挥增加移植物容量、促进骨生成的作用,无局部不良反应,是一种安全有效的骨移植替代物.     

Cellular events associated with the induction of bone by demineralized bone

Implantation of demineralized bone (DB) in the form of powder or intact segments in extra skeletal sites stimulates new bone formation. Urist and co-workers presented substantial evidence that there is a noncollagenous protein that has the ability to induce bone formation. One aim of this study was to trace the process of bone formation when DB, in the form of perforated rectangular plates, is implanted subcutaneously in 2-month-old rats. A second objective was to determine whether cartilage cells play a role in the formation of bone in this model. Various DB plates with 0.25 mm diameter holes were implanted subcutaneously for 1-4 weeks in rats. One week after implantation, DB plates were covered by vascularized connective tissue that invaded the perforations. Aggregates of chondrocytes were observed within the holes and on periosteal surfaces in only a few specimens. Further cartilage proliferation was not observed, and by the 2nd week there was no evidence of endochondral bone formation. Where these cartilage-like cells were present, a thin layer of mineral was deposited around them; resorption and fibrous tissue infiltration followed. This aborted form of endochondral calcification was not followed spatially by bone formation. Patent vascularized channels were invaded by alkaline phosphatase-positive mononuclear cells and fibroblasts, and became enlarged by the enzymatic action of macrophages. The next step involved the calcification of DB plates adjacent to the wide spaces. Osteoclasts now appeared leading to the resorption of this recalcified matrix. The eroded and now enlarged lacunar surfaces were lined by newly formed bone and osteoblasts. This process continued so that, at the end of 4 weeks following implantation, the original DB plates were replaced by trabecular bone. Biochemical data on calcium and alkaline phosphatase levels in the implants paralleled the morphological observations.     

骨蛋白强化脱钙骨基质板块修复犬长骨节段性骨缺损

目的 :研究骨蛋白 (boneprotein ,BP)强化脱钙骨基质 (demineralizedbonematrix ,DBM) (BP/DBM )板块在修复节段性骨缺损中的作用。方法 :在犬双侧桡骨中段各做一 1 5cm的骨膜骨缺损 ,分别植入板块状BP/DBM ,DBM ,自体髂骨块及留置空白 ,观察时间为 4个月。结果 :BP/DBM植入组有 3例完全骨愈合 (3 / 5 ) ,自体骨移植组只有 3例部分骨愈合 ,单纯DBM组及空白组未见骨愈合。生物力学测试 :术后 4个月BP/DBM组新生骨极限压缩强度值最高 ,已达到正常桡骨组织的 48%。BP/DBM组新生骨为成熟的板状骨。结论 :BP/DBM板块可促进节段性骨缺损的修复。     

低温保存对人骨髓基质干细胞在脱钙骨上体外增殖及成骨能力的影响

目的研究低温保存对人骨髓基质干细胞(BMSCs)在脱钙骨(DBM)上生长特性及成骨能力的影响。方法取3例志愿者骨髓(3～5mL),密度梯度离心、差速贴壁法获得BMSCs。第3代BMSCs在-196℃下保存24h,37℃复苏,测定细胞成活率。低温保存前、后的BMSCs分别用成骨诱导液诱导培养,至90%融合时,收集细胞接种在DBM支架上,并测定细胞在DBM上的粘附率。DiI荧光染料标记BMSCs,例置相差显微镜、荧光显微镜和SEM观察低温保存前、后的BMSCs在DBM上的生长及基质分泌情况,MTT法测定细胞在DBM上的增殖活性。通过测定碱性磷酸酶(ALP)活性和骨钙素(OCN)含量观察细胞在DBM上的成骨能力。结果复苏细胞的存活率为(90．24±0．02)%。低温保存前、后的BMSCs在DBM上的粘附率分别为(97．25±1．17)%和(97．00±1．09)%。倒置相差显微镜及SEM观察显示低温保存前、后的BMSCs在DBM上粘附、生长良好,有大量细胞外基质分泌、沉积。低温保存前、后的BMSCs在DBM上MTT吸光度值和ALP活性的检测结果差异无显著性意义(P＞0．05)；体外培养12d时,MTT吸光度值及ALP活性同时达到峰值。低温保存前、后的BMSCs在DBM上分泌OCN的量差异无显著性意义(P＞0．05),OCN含量随着培养时间延长而不断上升,在观察期(16d)内未出现平台期。结论低温保存对人BMSCs在DBM上的体外增殖、粘附及成骨能力影响差异无显著性意义,低温保存的人BMSCs可作为组织工程骨的种子细胞。     

Distinct and Overlapping Patterns of Localization of Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) Family Members and a BMP Type II Receptor During Fracture Healing in Rats

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and their receptors (BMPRs) are thought to play an important role in bone morphogenesis. The purpose of this study was to determine the locations of BMP-2/-4, osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1, also termed BMP-7), and BMP type II receptor (BMPR-II) during rat fracture healing by immunostaining, and thereby elucidate the possible roles of the BMPs and BMPR-II in intramembranous ossification and endochondral ossification. In the early stage of fracture repair, the expression of BMP-2/-4 and OP-1 was strongly induced in the thickened periosteum near the fracture ends, and coincided with an enhanced expression of BMPR-II. On day 7 after fracture, staining for BMP-2/-4 and OP-1 immunostaining was increased in various types of chondrocytes, and was strong in fibroblast-like spindle cells and proliferating chondrocytes in endochondral bone. On day 14 after fracture, staining with OP-1 antibody disappeared in proliferating and mature chondrocytes, while BMP-2/-4 staining continued in various types of chondrocytes until the late stage. In the newly formed trabecular bone, BMP-2/-4 and OP-1 were present at various levels. BMPR-II was actively expressed in both intramembranous ossification and endochondral ossification. Additionally, immunostaining for BMP-2/-4 and OP-1 was observed in multinucleated osteoclast-like cells on the newly formed trabecular bone, along with BMPR-II. In reference to our previous study of BMP type I receptors (BMPR-IA and BMPR-IB), BMPR-II was found to be co-localized with BMPR-IA and BMPR-IB. BMP-2/-4 and OP-1 antibodies exhibited distinct and overlapping immunostaining patterns during fracture repair. OP-1 may act predominantly in the initial phase of endochondral ossification, while BMP-2/-4 acts throughout this process. Thus, these findings suggested that BMPs acting through their BMP receptors may play major roles in modulating the sequential events leading to bone formation.     

Role of proteoglycans in endochondral ossification: Inhibition of calcification

Summary Proteoglycans from bovine nasal septa and from the Swarm rat chondrosarcoma were isolated as aggregates (PGC) and as monomers (PGS). Portions of the PGC preparations were degraded with cathepsin D or chondroitinase AC. Chondroitin sulfates were isolated by differential precipitation from alkaline digests of the PGS from bovine nasal septa. The effects of these preparations at concentrations up to 2 mg/ml on the precipitation of tricalcium phosphatein vitro at pH 7.8 in 16 hours at 25°C were ascertained. To this end, the amounts of calcium and phosphate in the precipitates and in the supernates were determined. The PGC preparations were found to be very effective inhibitors; in the presence of 2 mg/ml, precipitate did not form. The PGS preparations were less effective than the PGC preparations; in the presence of 2 mg/ml, about 20% as much calcium phosphate precipitated as in their absence. The chondroitinase AC-degraded preparations at concentrations equivalent to 2 mg/ml of the PGC preparations were approximately as effective as the PGS preparations. On the other hand, the cathepsin D-degraded PGC preparations and the chondroitin sulfate chains were relatively poor inhibitors. Although the viscosity of the solutions may have influenced the rate at which the precipitates settled to the bottom of the bubes, the amounts of the tricalcium phosphate formed were related to the composition and concentration of the proteoglycan preparations.     

A comparison of commercially available demineralized bone matrix for spinal fusion

In an effort to augment the available grafting material as well as to increase spinal fusion rates, the utilization of a demineralized bone matrix (DBM) as a graft extender or replacement is common. There are several commercially available DBM substances available for use in spinal surgery, each with different amounts of DBM containing osteoinductive proteins. Each product may have different osteoinductivity potential due to different methods of preparation, storage, and donor specifications. The purpose of this study is to prospectively compare the osteoinductive potential of three different commercially available DBM substances in an athymic rodent spinal fusion model and to discuss the reasons of the variability in osteoinductivity. A posterolateral fusion was performed in 72 mature athymic nude female rats. Three groups of 18 rats were implanted with 1 of 3 DBMs (Osteofil, Grafton, and Dynagraft). A fourth group was implanted with rodent autogenous iliac crest bone graft. The rats were sacrificed at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. A dose of 0.3 cm³ per side (0.6 cm³per animal) was used for each substance. Radiographs were taken at 2 weeks intervals until sacrifice. Fusion was determined by radiographs, manual palpation, and histological analysis. The Osteofil substance had the highest overall fusion rate (14/18), and the highest early 4 weeks fusion rate of (4/5). Grafton produced slightly lower fusion rates of (11/17) overall, and lower early 4 weeks fusion rate of (2/5). There was no statistically significant difference between the rate of fusion after implantation of Osteofil and Grafton. None of the sites implanted with Dynagraft fused at any time point (0/17), and there was a significantly lower fusion rate between the Dynagraft and the other two substances at the six-week-time point and for final fusion rate (P = 0.0001, Fischer’s exact test). None of the autogenous iliac crest animals fused at any time point. Non-decalcified histology confirmed the presence of a pseudarthrosis or the presence of a solid fusion, and the results were highly correlated with the manual testing. Although all products claim to have significant osteoinductive capabilities, this study demonstrates that there are significant differences between some of the tested products.     

Influence of irradiation on the osteoinductive potential of demineralized bone matrix

Summary Samples of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) were exposed to graduated doses of radiation (1–15 Megarad) (Mrad) utilizing a linear accelerator and then implanted into the thoracic region of Long-Evans rats. Subcutaneous implantation of DBM into allogenic rats induces endochondral bone. In response to matrix implantation, a cascade of events ensues; mesenchymal cell proliferation on day 3 postimplantation, chondrogenesis on day 7, calcification of the cartilagenous matrix and chondrolysis on day 9, and osteogenesis on day 11 resulting in formation of an ossicle containing active hemopoietic tissue. Bone formation was assessed by measuring alkaline phosphatase activity, the rate of mineralization was determined by measuring⁴⁵Ca incorporation to bone mineral, and⁴⁰Ca content measured the extent of mineralization; acid phosphatase activity was used as a parameter for bone resorption. The dose of radiation (2.5 Mrad) currently used by bone banks for sterilization of bone tissue did not destroy the bone induction properties of DBM. Furthermore, radiation of 3–5 Mrad even enhanced bone induction, insofar as it produced more bone at the same interval of time than was obtained from unirradiated control samples. None of the radiation doses used in these experiments abolished bone induction, although the response induced by matrix irradiated with doses higher than 5 Mrad was delayed.     

Alendronate treatment promotes bone formation with a less anisotropic microstructure during intramembranous ossification in rats

There are safety concerns regarding administration of bisphosphonates to children. Little is known about the effects of bisphosphonates on bone matrix organization during bone modeling. The present study examined the effects of alendronate (ALN) on bone matrices formed by intramembranous ossification in the appendicular growing skeleton. ALN was administered to 1-week-old Sprague–Dawley rats at a dose of 0, 35, or 350 μg/kg/week for 4 or 8 weeks. The position of femoral diaphysis formed exclusively by intramembranous ossification was identified, and cross sections of cortical bone at this position were analyzed. Bone mineral density (BMD) and geometric parameters were evaluated using peripheral quantitative computed tomography. The preferential orientation degree of biological apatite (BAp) crystals in the bone longitudinal direction, which shows the degree of bone matrix anisotropy, was evaluated using microbeam X-ray diffraction analysis. We analyzed bone histomorphometrical parameters and performed bone nanomechanical tests to examine the material properties of newly developing cortical bone. The preferential orientation degree of BAp crystals significantly decreased in 35 μg/kg/week ALN-treated groups compared with vehicle-treated groups, although there were no significant differences in BMD between the two groups. The periosteal mineral apposition rate significantly increased in the 35 μg/kg/week ALN-treated group. We found a high negative correlation between bone matrix anisotropy and the regional periosteal mineral apposition rate (r = −0.862, P < 0.001). Nanomechanical tests revealed that 35 μg/kg/week ALN administration caused deterioration of the material properties of the bone microstructure. These new findings suggest that alendronate affects bone matrix organization and promotes bone formation with a less anisotropic microstructure during intramembranous ossification.     

Immunofluorescent localization of structural collagen types in endochondral fracture repair

A nonimmobilized rat tibial fracture model of endochondral osseous repair was examined for the unique localizations of specific collagen genetic types. At various stages of the healing process, the demineralized callus was reacted with immunofluorescent antibodies directed against the type specific forms of matrix collagen. Type III collagen rapidly appeared (day 8-10) and remained in the primitive mesenchymal callus until remodeled. It was particularly prominent in the highly vasoformative regions and the pericallus encapsulation but not present in preexisting cortical and neoformed lamellar bone. The type II collagen, a marker of cartilage, was uniquely located only in areas of chondroid differentiation and calcification. Type II collagen was absent from all bone and was not identified beneath the repairing intact periosteum. The differentiating chondrocytes synthesized type II collagen on an underlayer of type III collagen already within the mesenchymal matrix. From these studies of genetically unique collagen markers, it appears that only in areas of motion or anoxia does an intermediate of chondroid tissue appear. The utilization of specific type II and type III collagen immunofluorescent antibodies has facilitated the understanding of the fracture repair process and has acted as an indicator for unique matrix components.