Augmentation of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) mineralization by a synthetic growth factor mimetic

These studies evaluated whether F2A4-K-NS, a peptide mimetic of FGF-2, could augment ectopic bone production following the subcutaneous implant of human demineralized bone matrix (DBM). DBM was formulated into a gel with and without F2A4-K-NS, and injected subcutaneously into athymic rats. After 28 days the resultant tissue was excised and fixed. The tissue was examined with soft X-rays and microcomputerized tomography (micro-CT), and by histological methods. Inclusion of F2A4-K-NS with DBM resulted in an increased mineral deposition as determined by soft X-ray and micro-CT analysis and von Kossa staining. DBM-containing tissues showed extensive mineralization compared to the carrier alone, which was poorly mineralized. The mineralization was qualitatively and quantitatively the most extensive in the samples containing F2A4-K-NS plus DBM. Additionally, the highest amount of von Kossa staining for calcium was observed in tissues from animals that had received DBM plus F2A4-K-NS. In these studies, 100 ng of peptide per 0.2 mL of injectable DBM gel generated the most optimal results. The synthetic peptide F2A4-K-NS augmented DBM-induced ectopic mineralization in athymic animals.