Endothelial progenitor cells with stem cells enhance osteogenic efficacy

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based bone tissue engineering shows promise for maxillary sinus augmentation.
• Rapid vascularization is crucial for osteoinductive efficacy and preventing necrosis in engineered bone.
• This study explored the potential of co-autotransplanting endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) with MSCs to enhance bone regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of co-autotransplanting EPCs and MSCs on the osteogenic efficacy of MSCs.
• To determine if this combination could prevent necrosis in tissue-engineered bone for sinus augmentation.
• To evaluate the in vivo performance of MSCs and EPCs in a canine maxillary sinus model.

Main Methods:

• In vitro evaluation of Bio-Oss scaffold with MSCs and EPCs for cell adhesion and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity.
• In vivo sinus augmentation in dogs using Bio-Oss with (A) MSCs and EPCs, (B) MSCs alone, or (C) EPCs alone.
• Assessment of tissue implants at 24 weeks post-implantation, including histomorphometry and mechanical strength.

Main Results:

• In vitro, co-application of EPCs and MSCs enhanced cell adhesion and ALP activity on Bio-Oss.
• In vivo, the MSCs + EPCs group showed significantly improved bone height, compressive strength, bone volume density, and trabecular structure.
• Co-transplantation led to a higher mineral apposition rate and new bone formation, with newly formed bone centrally located.

Conclusions:

• Co-autotransplantation of EPCs and MSCs significantly enhances in vivo osteogenic efficacy in a canine sinus augmentation model.
• This combined approach shows promising potential for improving outcomes in sinus augmentation procedures.
• Enhanced vascularization from EPCs likely contributes to the improved osteogenesis and tissue viability.