Effect of poly-L-co-D,L-lactide scaffolds combined with simvastatin and mesenchymal cells on calvarial bone defects and ectopic subcutaneous bone formation

Abstract

Event Abstract Back to Event Effect of poly-L-co-D,L-lactide scaffolds combined with simvastatin and mesenchymal cells on calvarial bone defects and ectopic subcutaneous bone formation Stephanie V. Edelmuth1*, Kennedy S. Ramos1*, Khatharine S. Aoki1*, Karlla K. Gaiotto1*, Bruna A. Más2*, Mona L. Barbo3*, Eliana A. Duek4* and Newton M. Oliveira3* 1 Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo, Medical student, Faculty of Medical Sciences and Health, Brazil 2 Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo, Laboratory of Biomaterials, Faculty of Medical Sciences and Health, Brazil 3 Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo, Morphology and Pathology Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences and Health, Brazil 4 Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo, Physiology Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences and Health, Brazil Tissue bioengineering has become popular as a method of repair of damaged tissues, and allows for both an aesthetic and functional result[1]. One of the biomaterials used in the treatment of bone defects are the hydrolytically degradable polymers, specifically the poly-L-co-D,L-lactide (PLDLA)[2]. PLDLA is considered an attractive material for drug delivery systems, such as for simvastatin release. Several studies show that statins have the capacity of stimulating bone formation by increasing expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2)[3]. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are also involved in the process of bone growth, since they have potential to differentiate into osteoblasts and osteocytes[4]. Based on these concepts, this study analyzed the effect of PLDLA scaffolds with simvastatin and MSC in regards to their capacity to promote bone formation in both calvarial defects and the subcutaneous tissues of Wistar rats[5]. The 98 animals used for the study were divided according to the area of scaffold implantation, time of euthanasia and treatment applied. The implant areas were collected post-euthanasia and submitted for histologic analysis. New bone formation was detected in the animals who received calvarial implants, with statistical significance. In comparison to negative control, new bone tissue was especially observed in the groups receiving simvastatin and MSC (p < 0.01). No ectopic bone growth was seen in the subcutaneous tissue. The bio-affinity of the polymeric membrane and the osteogenic character of simvastatin and MSC were confirmed in this study.