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Strontium-containing apatite/polylactide composites enhance bone formation in osteopenic rabbits
Xiaoman Luo1, Davide Barbieri2, Rongquan Duan3
1Xpand Biotechnology BV, Prof. Bronkhorstlaan 10, Bld 48, 3723MB Bilthoven, The Netherlands; MIRA Institute, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands.
Acta Biomaterialia
|August 4, 2015
Summary
Strontium (Sr) enhances bone formation in osteoporotic rabbits, restoring impaired healing around implants. This suggests Sr could improve implant success in osteoporosis patients.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedic Research
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Osteoporosis impairs bone healing and implant integration.
- Strontium (Sr) is known to promote bone formation.
- Previous studies showed Sr enhances BMP-induced bone formation in healthy animals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of Sr addition on local bone formation in an osteoporosis model.
- To evaluate Sr's impact on bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2)-induced osteogenesis in osteoporotic rabbits.
Main Methods:
- Apatite/polylactide composite granules with varying Sr content were used.
- Composites were loaded with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2).
- Implants were placed intramuscularly in healthy and osteoporotic rabbits for 12 weeks.
Main Results:
- Osteoporotic implants showed significantly less de novo bone formation without Sr.
- As little as 0.5 mol% Sr substitution increased bone volume in osteoporotic implants to healthy levels.
- Osteoporotic implants exhibited increased adipose and cartilage tissue formation.
Conclusions:
- Strontium addition effectively enhances BMP-2-induced bone formation in osteoporotic rabbits.
- Sr can counteract the impaired osteogenesis seen in osteoporosis.
- The findings suggest Sr is a promising strategy to improve bone healing around implants in osteoporotic patients.
