Enhanced healing of goat femur-defect using BMP7 gene-modified BMSCs and load-bearing tissue-engineered bone

Segmental defect regeneration is still a clinical challenge. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) infected with adenoviral vector containing the bone morphogenetic protein 7 gene (AdBMP7) and load-bearing to enhance bone regeneration in a critically sized femoral defect in the goat model. The defects were implanted with AdBMP7-infected BMSCs/coral (BMP7 group) or noninfected BMSCs/coral (control group), respectively, stabilized with an internal fixation rod and interlocking nails. Bridging of the segmental defects was evaluated by radiographs monthly, and confirmed by biomechanical tests. Much callus was found in the BMP7 group, and nails were taken off after 3 months of implantation, indicating that regenerated bone in the defect can be remodeled by load-bearing, whereas after 6 months in control group. After load-bearing, it is about 5 months; the mechanical property of newly formed bone in the BMP7 group was restored, but 8 months in control group. Our data suggested that the BMP7 gene-modified BMSCs and load-bearing can promote bone regeneration in segmental defects.