Repair of bone defects around dental implants with bone morphogenetic protein/fibroblast growth factor-loaded porous calcium phosphate cement: a pilot study in a canine model

Objectives: To study the effects of the bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2)/fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-loaded porous calcium phosphate cement (CPC) on the repair of bone defects around dental implants. Material and methods: Thirty critical-sized bone defects in beagle dogs were repaired with engineered bone composed of autologous bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), BMP-2, bFGF and CPC. Repairs were divided into six groups: BMSC/BMP-2/bFGF/CPC, BMSC/BMP-2/CPC, BMSC/bFGF/CPC, BMSC/CPC, CPC and no treatment. Polychrome sequential fluorescent labels were also performed post-operatively. Fluorescence histological examinations of undecalcified sections at post-operative week 12 were performed to clarify changes in the new bone around the dental implants. Results: The animals exhibited a perfect post-operative course, with none experiencing any infection. Undecalcified sections showed that new bone was actively formed in the BMP-2/bFGF group after 12 weeks. The bone mineralization apposition rate was better in the BMP-2/bFGF group than in the other groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: BMP-2 and bFGF together are more effective than either one alone in promoting the formation of new bone and may exert a synergistic activity at bone defects around dental implants. To cite this article: Wang L, Zou D, Zhang S, Zhao J, K Pan, Huang Y. Repair of bone defects around dental implants with bone morphogenetic protein/fibroblast growth factor-loaded porous calcium phosphate cement: a pilot study in a canine model.Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 22, 2011; 173–181.doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0501.2010.01976.x