Abstract
Endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) therapy has been successfully used in orthopaedic preclinical models to heal bone defects. However, no previous studies have investigated the dose-response relationship between EPC therapy and bone healing. This study aimed to assess the effect of different EPC doses on bone healing in a rat model to define an optimal dose. Five-millimeter segmental defects were created in the right femora of Fischer 344 rats, followed by stabilization with a miniplate and screws. Rats were assigned to one of six groups (control, 0.1 M, 0.5 M, 1.0 M, 2.0 M, and 4.0 M; n = 6), receiving 0, 1 × 105, 5 × 105, 1 × 106, 2 × 106, and 4 × 106 EPCs, respectively, delivered into the defect on a gelatin scaffold. Radiographs were taken every two weeks until the animals were euthanized 10 weeks after surgery. The operated femora were then evaluated using micro-computed tomography and biomechanical testing. Overall, the groups that received higher doses of EPCs (0.5 M, 1.0 M, 2.0 M, and 4.0 M) reached better outcomes. At 10 weeks, full radiographic union was observed in 67% of animals in the 0.5 M group, 83% of animals in the 1.0 M group, and 100% of the animals in the 2.0 M and 4.0 M groups, but none in the control and 0.1 M groups. The 2.0 M group also displayed the strongest biomechanical properties, which significantly improved relative to the control and 0.1 M groups. In summary, this study defined a dose-response relationship between EPC therapy and bone healing, with 2 × 106 EPCs being the optimal dose in this model. Our findings emphasize the importance of dosing considerations in the application of cell therapies aimed at tissue regeneration and will help guide future investigations and clinical translation of EPC therapy.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.