Osteogenesis and mineralization in a rabbit mandibular distraction osteogenesis model is promoted by the human LMP‐1 gene

To observe the effects of LIM mineralization protein‐1 (LMP‐1) on bone regeneration in the distraction zone based on gene transduction, 36 New Zealand white rabbits underwent mandibular lengthening with a distraction rate of 2 mm/day. The animals were then randomly divided into group A and group B (n = 18, each). At the end of the distraction, Ad5‐EGFP viruses and Ad5‐LMP‐1/EGFP viruses were injected into the distraction gaps in groups A and B, respectively. Seven days later, five randomly selected animals from each group were sacrificed to evaluate the survival of the virus. Four and 8 weeks after distraction osteogenesis (DO), six samples randomly selected from each group underwent CT scanning and dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry detection. Eight weeks after DO, the rabbits were sacrificed, and the distracted mandibles were harvested. Six animals from each group processed for radiography, micro‐CT, histology, and the rest samples were taken three‐point bend testing. Using this model, better bone formation and mineralization in the distracted callus were observed in group B when compared with those in group A. The results suggest local transduction with LMP‐1 gene promotes osteogenesis and mineralization in DO. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:521–526, 2015.