Abstract
Objective. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is an important regulator of tissue growth. Previous studies have shown that low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) stimulates bone growth. The objective of this study was to evaluate the possible synergetic effect of LIPUS and local injection of nonviral bFGF plasmid DNA (pDNA) on mandibular growth in rats. Design. Groups were control, blank pDNA, bFGF pDNA, LIPUS, and bFGF pDNA + LIPUS. Treatments were performed for 28 days. Significant increase was observed in mandibular height and condylar length in LIPUS groups. MicroCT analysis showed significant increase in bone volume fraction in bFGF pDNA + LIPUS group. Histomorphometric analysis showed increased cell count and condylar proliferative and hypertrophic layers widths in bFGF pDNA group. Results. Current study showed increased mandibular condylar growth in either bFGF pDNA or LIPUS groups compared to the combined group that showed only increased bone volume fraction. Conclusion. It appears that there is an additive effect of bFGF + LIPUS on the mandibular growth.
Highlights
Bone remodelling is a continuous process of bone formation and resorption to maintain bone shape and function
Group 1 was the control, Group 2 was injected with blank plasmid (25 μgm gWiz) on the first day of the experiment, Group 3 was injected with 25 μgm Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) plasmid DNA (pDNA) on the first day of the experiment, Group 4 received 20 min of low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) for the 28 days, and Group 5 was injected with 25 μgm bFGF pDNA on the first day of the experiment and received LIPUS application for 20 min for 28 days
This study was performed to explore if there is any stimulatory effect of the nonviral plasmid delivered bFGF with or without LIPUS treatment on the condylar cartilage and on mandibular growth
Summary
Bone remodelling is a continuous process of bone formation and resorption to maintain bone shape and function. The available treatments of underdeveloped lower jaw in these cases usually include orthopedic surgery, bone grafting, and distraction osteogenesis in addition to orthodontic treatment and speech and behavioral management [6]. All these treatment modalities have various limitations such as lack of required bone volume, donor site morbidity, long procedure time, graft resorption, disease transmission, and known surgical complications. Due to all these limitations, a nonconventional form of treatment like gene therapy may be a hope to enhance or stimulate lower jaw growth nonsurgically
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
