Enhanced bone formation in large segmental radial defects by combining adipose-derived stem cells expressing bone morphogenetic protein 2 with nHA/RHLC/PLA scaffold

In this study, rabbit adipose-derived stem cells (rASCs) were isolated, cultured in vitro, and transfected with recombinant adenovirus vector containing human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (Ad-hBMP2). These cells were combined with a nano-hydroxyapatite/recombinant human-like collagen/poly(lactic acid) scaffold (nHA/RHLC/PLA) to fabricate a new biocomposite (hBMP2/rASCs-nHA/RHLC/PLA, group 1) and cultured in osteogenic medium. Non-transfected rASCs mixed with nHA/RHLC/PLA (rASCs-nHA/RHLC/PLA, group 2) and nHA/RHLC/PLA scaffold alone (group 3) served as controls. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) demonstrated integration of rASCs with the nHA/RHLC/PLA scaffold. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR analyses of collagen I, osteonectin, and osteopontin cDNA expression indicated that the osteogenic potency of rASCs was enhanced by transfection with Ad-hBMP2. After in vitro culture for seven days, three groups were implanted into 15-mm length critical-sized segmental radial defects in rabbits. After 12 weeks, radiographic and histological analyses were performed. In group 1, the medullary cavity was recanalised, bone was rebuilt and moulding was finished, the bone contour had begun to remodel and scaffold was degraded completely. In contrast, bone defects were not repaired in groups 2 or 3. Furthermore, the scaffold degradation rate in group 1 was significantly higher than in groups 2 or 3. In summary, after transduction with Ad-hBMP2, the osteogenesis of rASCs was enhanced; a new biocomposite created with these cells induced repair of a critical bone defect in vivo in a relatively short time.