High-Resolution Cone-Beam Tomography for Assessing Angiogenesis in Jawbone Regeneration Models

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Background:

• Orofacial bone defects require effective regeneration strategies.
• Angiogenesis is critical for successful osteogenesis and bone repair.
• Noninvasive monitoring methods are needed for preclinical research in bone tissue engineering.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate high-resolution cone-beam computed tomography subtraction angiography (HR-CBCT-SA) for monitoring angiogenesis in jawbone regeneration.
• To assess the reliability of HR-CBCT-SA in tracking vascular remodeling in a preclinical large animal model.
• To establish HR-CBCT-SA as a nondestructive tool for translational research in orofacial bone tissue engineering.

Main Methods:

• Surgically created jawbone defects in Yucatan minipigs were monitored over 90 days using HR-CBCT-SA.
• Morphometric analysis of vascular parameters (vessel number, node count, radius, length) was performed.
• CBCT-SA findings were validated against histological morphometry.

Main Results:

• HR-CBCT-SA successfully visualized vascular dynamics during jawbone healing and regeneration.
• Early stages showed increased vessel formation (neoangiogenesis), followed by vessel maturation and stabilization.
• Extrabony vascular networks exhibited more significant changes than intrabony vessels, highlighting the periosteum's role.

Conclusions:

• HR-CBCT-SA is a reliable, nondestructive imaging technique for assessing vascular changes during jawbone regeneration in preclinical settings.
• The method demonstrates significant translational potential for clinical applications in bone regeneration.
• Future advancements, including AI, may further enhance the sensitivity and accuracy of vascular assessment.