Potentiating effect of AMD3100 on bone morphogenetic protein-2 induced bone regeneration

AMD3100, a CXCR4 antagonist, is currently prescribed for activating the mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells. Recently, AMD3100 was shown to potentiate bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2)-induced bone formation by stimulating the trafficking of mesenchymal cells. However, optimization of the strategic combination of AMD3100 and BMP-2 has not yet been clearly established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of AMD3100 on BMP-2-induced bone regeneration in vitro and in a mouse calvarial defect healing model.

In vitro osteoblastic differentiation and cell migration after sequential treatments with AMD3100 and BMP-2 were analyzed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, ALP staining, and calcium accumulation. Migration capacity was evaluated after treating mesenchymal cells with AMD3100 and/or BMP-2. A critical-size calvarial defect model was used to evaluate bone formation after sequential or continuous treatment with AMD3100 and BMP-2. The degree of bone formation in the defect was analyzed using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histological staining.

Compared with single treatment using either AMD3100 or BMP-2 alone, sequential treatment with AMD3100 followed by BMP-2 on mesenchymal cells increased osteogenic differentiation. Application of AMD3100 and subsequent BMP-2 significantly activated cell migration on mesenchymal cell than BMP-2 alone or AMD3100 alone. Micro-CT and histomorphometric analysis showed that continuous intraperitoneal (IP) injection of AMD3100 resulted significantly increased new bone formation in BMP-2 loaded scaffold in calvarial defect than control groups without AMD3100 IP injection. Additionally, both single IP injection of AMD3100 and subsequent BMP-2 injection to the scaffold in calvarial defect showed pronounced new bone formation compared to continuous BMP-2 treatment without AMD3100 treatment.

Our data suggest that single or continuous injection of AMD3100 can potentiate BMP-2-induced osteoblastic differentiation and bone regeneration. This strategic combination of AMD3100 and BMP-2 may be a promising therapy for bone regeneration.