自体骨髓基质干细胞复合珊瑚修复犬下颌骨节段缺损的初步研究

目的应用自体骨髓基质干细胞(bonemarrowstromalcells,BMSCs)复合珊瑚构建组织工程化骨,修复犬下颌骨节段性缺损。方法体外扩增培养、成骨诱导犬BMSCs。将第二代细胞复合珊瑚后修复犬自体右侧3cm的下颌骨节段缺损(n=6);以单纯珊瑚植入缺损处为对照(n=6),术后12、32周分别通过影像学,大体形态观察,组织学和生物力学的方法检测骨缺损的修复效果。结果成骨诱导的BMSCs在珊瑚支架上生长良好。X线片显示12周时实验组骨痂较多,对照组材料明显吸收;32周时CT、X线片和大体观察显示术后实验组骨愈合良好,对照组为骨不连;骨密度检测示实验组显著高于对照组(P<0.05);组织学示实验组有较多成熟骨呈骨性愈合,对照组为纤维性愈合;生物力学测试实验组与正常下颌骨力学强度差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论自体成骨诱导BMSCs复合珊瑚形成的组织工程化骨可修复犬下颌骨节段缺损。     

组织工程方法修复羊腭裂骨缺损的初步研究

目的对羊骨髓基质干细胞（Bone marrow stromal cells，BMSCs）复合珊瑚修复腭裂骨缺损的可行性进行初步探讨。方法体外培养扩增、成骨诱导羊BMSCs。将第3代细胞复合珊瑚修复羊完全性腭裂骨缺损，以单纯珊瑚植入缺损作为对照组。术后16周头颅CT扫描、大体观察、评价骨缺损的修复效果。结果三维CT显示，实验组可见珊瑚被新生骨替代，对照组可见珊瑚明显降解，裂隙仍然存在。大体观察显示实验组骨缺损基本愈合；对照组中珊瑚明显降解，裂隙仍然存在。结论初步证明羊BMSCs成骨诱导后与珊瑚复合能修复羊腭裂骨缺损。     

丝素蛋白/羟基磷灰石组织工程化骨修复兔桡骨节段性骨缺损

目的 探讨丝素蛋白/羟基磷灰石(SF/HA)组织工程化骨的成骨作用,以期为临床治疗骨缺损提供新的人工骨材料.方法 将SF/HA与成骨诱导的兔骨髓基质干细胞(BMSCs)复合,构建组织工程化骨.取54只兔于左侧桡骨中上段制备15 mm节段性骨缺损.实验分3组(A、B组各24只,C组6只):A组:植入SF/HA组织工程化骨,B组:单纯植入SF/HA;C组:骨缺损区不植入任何材料.于术后4、8、12及16周摄X线片,并于16周行螺旋CT扫描重建,观察骨缺损修复及骨塑形情况,参照Lane-Sandhu X线评分标准对各组骨缺损的骨修复程度评分.骨痂标本行 HE染色组织学观察,按照Lane-Sandhu组织学评分法比较12周和16周时各组的骨修复情况. 结果 术后16周,X线片示A组髓腔通畅,新骨塑形好,骨皮质连续;B组缺损区有缩小,两断端不连接;C组缺损区无明显骨痂生长.16周时螺旋CT扫描重建显示:A组骨塑形明显,骨缺损完全修复;B组有部分皮质骨形成,缺损区不能完全修复;C组骨缺损基本无修复.每组术后4、8、12、16周不同时间点的放射学评分差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).术后12、16周时3组间Lane-Sandhu组织学评分差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05). 结论 SF/HA组织工程化骨具有良好的节段性骨缺损修复能力,但SF/HA本身缺乏骨诱导作用,单独修复节段性骨缺损作用有限.     

以自体诱导和无诱导的骨髓基质干细胞复合珊瑚修复犬下颌骨节段缺损的比较研究

目的分别采用诱导和无诱导的自体骨髓基质干细胞（Bone marrow stromal cells，BMSCs）复合珊瑚构建组织工程化骨，修复犬下颌骨节段性缺损，比较修复效果。方法体外扩增、成骨诱导或无诱导培养犬BMSCs，分别将第2代细胞复合珊瑚后修复犬自体右侧3cm的下颌骨节段缺损（诱导组n=6，无诱导组n=6）。术后32周，分别通过Micro-CT、大体形态观察和组织学方法检测骨缺损的修复效果。结果32周时，Micro-CT检测示诱导组骨容积率和密度均显著高于对照组（P〈0.05）；大体观察示诱导组骨愈合良好，无诱导组中的3条犬为骨不连；组织学检测诱导组有较多成熟骨形成，缺损部分均呈骨性愈合。无诱导组中的3只犬有新骨形成，但形态不完整，另3只犬的缺损部分呈纤维性愈合。结论成骨诱导的自体BMSCs复合珊瑚形成的组织工程化骨修复犬下颌骨节段缺损效果优于无诱导组。     

Healing of segmental bone defects with granular porous hydroxyapatite augmented with recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 or autologous bone marrow.

Hydroxyapatite is a synthetic bone graft, which is used for the treatment of bone defects and nonunions. However, it is a rather inert material with no or little intrinsic osteoinductive activity. Recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 (rhOP-1) is a very potent biological agent, that enhances osteogenesis during bone repair. Bone marrow contains mesenchymal stem cells, which are capable of new bone formation. Biosynthetic bone grafts were created by the addition of rhOP-1 or bone marrow to granular porous hydroxyapatite. The performance of these grafts was tested in a sheep model and compared to the results of autograft, which is clinically the standard treatment of bone defects and nonunions. A 3 cm segmental bone defect was made in the tibia and fixed with an interlocking intramedullary nail. There were five treatment groups: no implant (n=6), autograft (n=8), hydroxyapatite alone (n=8), hydroxyapatite loaded with rhOP-1 (n=8), and hydroxyapatite loaded with autologous bone marrow (n=8). At 12 weeks, healing of the defect was evaluated with radiographs, a torsional test to failure, and histological examination of longitudinal sections through the defect. Torsional strength and stiffness of the healing tibiae were about two to three times higher for autograft and hydroxyapatite plus rhOP-1 or bone marrow compared to hydroxyapatite alone and empty defects. The mean values of both combination groups were comparable to those of autograft. There were more unions in defects with hydroxyapatite plus rhOP-1 than in defects with hydroxyapatite alone. Although the differences were not significant, histological examination revealed that there was more often bony bridging of the defect in both combination groups and the autograft group than in the group with hydroxyapatite alone. Healing of bone defects, treated with porous hydroxyapatite, can be enhanced by the addition of rhOP-1 or autologous bone marrow. The results of these composite biosynthetic grafts are equivalent to those of autograft.     

涂层双相陶瓷复合BMSC修复骨缺损的实验观察

目的比较双相陶瓷（Biphasie calcium phosphate，BCP）经低结晶羟基磷灰石（Low crystalline hydroxyapatite，LcHA）涂覆改性后构建的组织工程化骨（LcBCP）与单纯BCP复合骨髓基质干细胞（Bone marrow stromal cells，BMSCs）修复兔桡骨节段性缺损的成骨差异。方法BMSCs复合LcBCP（实验组）修复12只兔左侧桡骨15mm缺损；BMSCs复合BCP（对照组）植入右侧桡骨同样大小缺损，植入后第4、8和12周取材，通过大体形态、组织学、影像学和生物力学检测骨缺损修复效果。结果BMSCs—LcBCP复合物在体内骨缺损处生长良好。X线检测显示实验组连接处骨痂形成，对照组连接处在各个时间点愈合稍差。12周时，实验组骨修复良好，髓腔再通，组织学显示板层骨形成，连接处骨性愈合；对照组连接处尚有较多编织骨形成。实验组和对照组生物力学检测有统计学差异。结论BMSCs—LcBCP复合物可修复兔桡骨节段性缺损，低品态羟基磷灰石涂层有助于增强双相陶瓷的成骨能力。     

纤维蛋白用做骨组织工程载体并修复骨缺损

[目的]研究将纤维蛋白用做骨组织工程的载体材料。[方法]将兔骨髓基质干细胞（BMSCs）在体外大量培养扩增后，与同种兔纤维蛋白制成凝胶复合物，对复合物进行成骨性诱导培养，观察细胞增殖与分化情况。进而将含自体BMSCs的复合物填充于兔桡骨节段性缺损区，观察其对骨缺损的修复效果。[结果]BMSCs与纤维蛋白复合物在体外培养条件下可保持完整形状、细胞大量增殖，并发生成骨性分化和分泌钙盐。植入复合物的骨缺损区修复效果显著优于植入单纯纤维蛋白。[结论]纤维蛋白可为BMSCs提供良好的增殖与分化环境，二者复合物可用于组织工程法修复骨缺损。     

The osteogenic potential of adipose-derived stem cells for the repair of rabbit calvarial defects

INTRODUCTION: Bone replacement is often necessary during reconstruction of craniofacial anomalies or trauma. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) possess osteogenic potential and are a promising cell source for bone tissue engineering. The present study was designed to assess the osteogenic potential and utility of using ASCs to regenerate bone in a rabbit calvarial defect model. METHODS: Rabbit ASCs were seeded on gelatin foam (GF) scaffolds and induced in osteogenic medium containing bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2. Thirty-four 8-mm calvarial defects were randomly treated with autograft, no treatment, GF scaffold, GF + ASCs, or GF + osteoinduced ASCs. After 6 weeks, calvaria were harvested and underwent histologic and radiologic analyses to compare healing between the treatment groups. RESULTS: Defects treated with autograft underwent complete healing. Radiologically, there were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in healing among empty defects, and those treated with GF alone or GF plus osteoinduced ASCs. Osteoinduced ASCs exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) greater healing than noninduced ASCs. CONCLUSION: Preimplantation osteoinduction of ASCs enhances their osteogenic capacity. Lack of a significant osteogenic effect of ASCs on calvarial healing at 6 weeks may be secondary to use of noncritical-sized defects. Larger defects would likely demonstrate the osteogenic potential of ASCs more definitively.     

Correlation of tuned aperture computed tomography with conventional computed tomography for evaluation of osseous healing in calvarial defects.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the diagnostic efficacy of iteratively restored tuned aperture computed tomography (TACT) with conventional computed tomography (CT) for evaluation of osseous healing in induced calvarial defects. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty-six calvarial defects in 14 rabbits received 1 of 4 possible treatments: copolymer membranes with and without bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), BMSCs alone, or no treatment (control). Healing was measured after 2, 4, and 8 wks as remaining defect areas measured on TACT and CT images. Histomorphometric analyses were done on the specimens. RESULTS: Bone formation was minimal to none in control defects and those treated with BMSCs or polymer matrices alone. Healthy bone formation was noted in defects treated with polymers impregnated with BMSCs. Unresolved defect area measurements using TACT and CT of osseous healing showed a high positive correlation. CONCLUSIONS: Potential for TACT to accurately detect osseous healing in surgical defects was demonstrated. High resolution of TACT combined with generation of information in 3D yields comparable performance to CT.     

自体脂肪干细胞复合珊瑚修复犬颅骨标准缺损的初步研究

目的 应用自体脂肪干细胞(adipose-derived stem cells,ADSCs)复合珊瑚构建组织工程化骨,修复犬颅骨标准缺损.方法 体外扩增培养、成骨诱导Beagle犬ADSCs,将第2代细胞接种在珊瑚支架上共同培养.制造实验犬双侧颅骨全层标准缺损(20 mm×20 mm),一侧以细胞材料复合物修复作为实验组(n=7),另一侧以单纯珊瑚材料修复作为对照组(n=7).术后24周分别通过影像学、大体形态观察、生物力学检测、组织学方法检测颅骨缺损的修复效果.结果 成骨诱导的犬ADSCs体外呈现成骨特性,在珊瑚支架上生长良好.3D-CT重建显示术后12周实验组有新生骨痂形成,对照组材料大部分降解;24周时实验组为骨性愈合,对照组为骨不连.24周时实验组缺损修复百分比为(84.19±6.45)%,显著高于对照组的(25.04 ±18.82)%(P<0.01).大体观察见实验组由新生骨痂修复缺损,对照组缺损边缘可见少量骨痂形成,主要为软组织充填;24周生物力学检测修复组织能耐受的最大压力载荷,实验组为(73.45±17.26)N,为犬顶骨最大压力负荷(104.27±22.71)N的70%,两者比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.01),对照组为软组织无法完成上述检测.HE染色见实验组有较多成熟骨呈骨性愈合,对照组为纤维性愈合.结论 自体成骨诱导的ADSCs复合珊瑚形成的组织工程化骨可修复犬颅骨标准缺损.     

转染人血管内皮生长因子基因的组织工程骨修复眼眶壁骨缺损的实验研究

目的探讨以转染人血管内皮生长因子(Vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF)基因的骨髓基质干细胞(Bone marrow stromal cells,BMSCs)构建的组织工程骨在犬眼眶壁骨缺损中的修复效果。方法体外分离扩增犬自体BMSCs至第2代,用腺病毒转染VEGF基因。采用Real-time PCR和Western Blot检测目的基因和蛋白表达情况。细胞接种在珊瑚支架材料上构建组织工程骨,Elisa检测转基因细胞在支架材料上的蛋白持续表达情况。成年比格犬24只,双侧眼眶内侧壁制造直径12mm圆形骨缺损模型,随机分为4组:A组植入转染VEGF的组织工程骨,B组植入未转染基因的组织工程骨,C组植入单纯珊瑚材料,D组为旷置组。分别在手术后4周、12周、24周取材,行大体观察、Micro-CT分析、免疫组化方法检测血管形成情况,以及组织学观察和组织形态学检测比较骨缺损修复效果。结果VEGF基因修饰的BMSCs能够高表达目的基因和蛋白,构建组织工程骨后能够在体外持续分泌VEGF蛋白22d。C组和D组均未修复眶壁骨缺损。A组在骨缺损修复过程中,4周时的新生血管形成量和新生骨体...     

Marrow stimulation and chondrocyte transplantation using a collagen matrix for cartilage repair

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to determine whether the implantation of a scaffold would facilitate cartilage repair after microfracture in sheep over a period of 12 months. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of additional autologous cell augmentation of the implanted constructs. METHODS: Two chondral defects were produced in the medial femoral condyle of sheep without penetrating the subchondral bone. Twenty-seven sheep were divided into the following groups: seven served as untreated controls (Group 1), microfracture was created in 20 animals, seven of them without further treatment (Group 2), in six sheep the defects were additionally covered with a porcine collagen matrix (Group 3), and in seven animals the matrix was augmented with cultured autologous chondrocytes (Group 4). After 4 (11 sheep) and 12 months (16 sheep), the filling of the defects, tissue types, and semiquantitative scores were determined. RESULTS: The untreated defects revealed the least amount of defect fill. Defects treated with microfractures achieved better defect fill, while the additional use of the matrix did not increase the defect fill. The largest quantity of reparative tissue was found in the cell-augmented group. Semiquantitative scores were best in the cell-augmented group. CONCLUSION: Microfracture treatment was observed to enhance the healing response. The implantation of a cell-seeded matrix further improved the outcome. The implantation of a collagen matrix alone did not enhance repair. Autologous cell implantation appears to be a very important aspect of the tissue engineering approach to cartilage defects.     

The influence of hydroxyapatite granules on the healing of a segmental defect filled with autologous bone marrow.

Hydroxyapatite(HA) ceramics are frequently used as a bone graft substitutes for the filling of bony defects. The addition of autologous bone marrow to HA ceramics does improve defect healing. There is conflicting evidence in the literature whether autologous bone marrow transplantation alone is as effective as the combination of HA ceramics and bone marrow combined. It was the purpose of this study to identify the role of additional HA ceramic granules on the healing of a sheep tibia segmental defect filled with autologous bone marrow. After permission of the local animal rights committee was obtained, a 3 cm segmental defect in the midshaft of 31 adult sheep was stabilized with an unreamed tibia nail. The animals were divided into 4 groups according to the mode of defect filling: HA plus autologous bone marrow (HA + MAR) (n = 8), autologous bone marrow (MAR) (n = 9), empty defect (DEF) (n = 6), cancellous bone graft (CAN) (n = 8). After three months follow up animals were sacrificed and analysed for the key parameters of union and maximum torque at failure. One nonunion was present in each of the HA + MAR, MAR, and CAN groups. Four of the six animals in the DEF group developed a nonunion. Maximum torque at failure was reported as percentage of the intact contralateral tibia: HA + MAR 39% +/- 24%, MAR 26% +/- 17%, DEF 22% +/- 13%, CAN 41% +/- 20%. The difference between the groups was statistically significant, but appeared to be relevant. We conclude from our data, that HA ceramics do improve healing of a segmental defect in the sheep tibia filled with autologous bone marrow. The results of this combination are comparable to cancellous autograft.     

Effect of cell‐based VEGF gene therapy on healing of a segmental bone defect

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 × 10⁶ 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     

VEGF producing bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) enhance vascularization and resorption of a natural coral bone substitute

Bone graft substitutes often exhibit poor bone regeneration in large defects because of inadequate vascularization. Studies have shown that if blood supply is compromised, application of osteogenic factors alone could not induce successful healing. This study was to evaluate the effects of vascular endothelial growth factor, which combined with a coralline scaffold, on vascularization, scaffold resorption and osteogenesis in a rabbit radius critical size defect model. The scaffold was either coated with a control-plasmid DNA (group 1), coated with VEGF-plasmid DNA (group 2), loaded with mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) transfected with control plasmid (group 3) or with both stem cells and the VEGF plasmid (group 4). X-rays were taken every 4 weeks up to week 16, when animals were euthanized. The volume of new bone was measured by mu-CT scans and blood vessels were counted after anti-CD31 staining of endothelial cells. The results from the solitary VEGF- and VEGF-transfected cells (groups 2 and 4) demonstrated significantly enhanced vascularization, osteogenesis and resorption of the carrier when compared to the control group. The highest degree of osteogenesis was found when the carrier was loaded with BMSC (group 3), whereas VEGF-transfected cells led to the highest vascularization and fastest resorption of the bone substitute. Additionally, VEGF-transfected BMSC led to a more homogenous vascularization of the defect. The results indicate that VEGF can be a helpful factor to improve healing in large bone defects, in which bone substitutes will otherwise not be vascularized and replaced by fresh bone.     

Exogenous phytoestrogenic molecule icaritin incorporated into a porous scaffold for enhancing bone defect repair

This study was designed to develop a bioactive scaffold to enhance bone defect repair in steroid‐associated osteonecrosis (SAON). Icaritin, a metabolite of the herb Epimedium, has been identified as an angiogenic and osteogenic phytomolecule. Icaritin was homogenized into poly lactic‐co‐glycolic acid/tricalcium phosphate (PLGA/TCP) to form an icaritin‐releasing porous composite scaffold (PLGA/TCP/icaritin) by fine‐spinning technology. In vitro, high performance liquid chromatography was used to determine the release of icaritin during degradation of PLGA/TCP/icaritin. The osteogenic effects of PLGA/TCP/icaritin were evaluated using rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). In vivo, the osteogenic effect of PLGA/TCP/icaritin was determined within a bone tunnel after core decompression in SAON rabbits and angiography within scaffolds was examined in rabbit muscle pouch model. In vitro study confirmed the sustainable release of icaritin from PLGA/TCP/icaritin with the bioactive scaffold promoting the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of rat BMSCs. In vivo study showed that PLGA/TCP/icaritin significantly promoted new bone formation within the bone defect after core decompression in SAON rabbits and enhanced neovascularization in the rabbit muscle pouch experiment. In conclusion, PLGA/TCP/icaritin is an innovative local delivery system that demonstrates sustainable release of osteogenic phytomolecule icaritin enhancing bone repair in an SAON rabbit model. The supplement of scaffold materials with bioactive phytomolecule(s) might improve treatment efficiency in challenging orthopedic conditions. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:164–172, 2012     

种植体联合骨组织工程技术修复犬下颌骨节段缺损的实验研究

目的 观察应用种植体联合骨组织工程技术,修复犬下颌骨节段缺损的效果。方法 体外扩增培养、成骨诱导犬BMSCs。将第2代细胞复合珊瑚后修复犬自体右侧下颌骨3 cm的节段缺损,术后32周植入种植体(实验组n=3);同时,以邻近正常骨植入种植体作为对照(n=3)。植入4周、12周、26周后,分别通过影像学、大体形态观察、组织学和生物力学等方法,检测骨缺损的修复效果。结果 植入后26周,X线片和CT均显示种植体与实验组及对照组骨质为良好骨性愈合,实验组种植体周围新生骨密度较高。Micro-CT显示,实验组骨密度和对照组间无显著性差别(P>0.05)。大体观察见种植体与组织工程骨和正常骨均形成紧密连接。组织学显示,实验组与对照组均有较多成熟骨结构。生物力学测试结果表明,实验组与正常下颌骨力学强度无显著性差异(P>0.05)。结论 自体成骨诱导BMSCs复合珊瑚形成的组织工程化骨,可较好地修复犬下颌骨节段缺损,植入种植体后可进一步促进骨成熟。     

Combined angiogenic and osteogenic factor delivery enhances bone marrow stromal cell-driven bone regeneration.

Bone formation is a coordinated process involving various biological factors. We have developed a scaffold system capable of sustained and localized presentation of osteogenic (BMP-4) and angiogenic (VEGF) growth factors and human bone marrow stromal cells to promote bone formation at an ectopic site. Combined delivery of these factors significantly enhanced bone formation compared with other conditions. INTRODUCTION: Tissue regeneration entails complex interactions between multiple signals and materials platforms. Orchestrating the presentation of these signals may greatly enhance the regeneration of lost tissue mass. Bone formation, for example, is dependent on the signaling of BMPs, molecules initiating vascularization (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]), and osteogenic precursor cells capable of responding to these cues and forming bone tissue. It was hypothesized that combined and concerted delivery of these factors from biodegradable scaffolds would lead to enhanced bone formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) scaffolds containing combinations of condensed plasmid DNA encoding for BMP-4, VEGF, and human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) were implanted into the subcutaneous tissue of SCID mice. Implants (n = 6) were retrieved at 3, 8, and 15 weeks after implantation. Bone and blood vessel formation was determined qualitatively and quantitatively by methods including histology, immmunostaining, and muCT. RESULTS: Scaffolds delivering VEGF resulted in a prominent increase in blood vessel formation relative to the conditions without VEGF. BMP-4 expression in scaffolds encapsulating condensed DNA was also confirmed at the 15-week time-point, showing the characteristic of long-term delivery in this system. Combined delivery of all three types of factors resulted in a significant increase in the quantity of regenerated bone compared with any factor alone or any two factors combined, as measured with DXA, X-ray, and histomorphometric analysis. Furthermore, bone formed with all three factors had elastic moduli significantly higher than any other condition. CONCLUSIONS: Concerted delivery of BMP-4, VEGF, and hBMSCs promoted greater bone formation relative to any single factor or combination of two factors. Materials systems that allows multifactorial presentation more closely mimic natural developmental processes, and these results may have important implications for bone regeneration therapeutics.