Stimulation of bone regeneration using bone morphogenetic proteins: modern concepts

Abstract

It is known that the restoration of fractures or bone defects after trauma is one of the urgent problems of modern orthopedics and traumatology. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are a group of growth and differentiation factors that are a large subfamily of the transforming growth factor- (TGF-) superfamily. To date, more than 20 types of different BMPs have been identified based on structural similarities, and it has been found that some of them, like BMP-2, -4, -6, -7, and -9, have the most pronounced osteogenic properties. BMPs induce migration, proliferation, and differentiation of undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells to form osteoblasts and chondroblasts. BMPs have significant inductive effects on various stages of the bone healing process, such as inflammation, angiogenesis, callus formation, and bone remodeling. It is known that recombinant (rh) rhBMP-2 and rhBMP-7 (approved for clinical use in humans by the USA Food and Drug Administration (FDA)), together with the use of bone grafts, they are used to activate reparative osteogenesis in injuries and to replace bone defects in spinal surgery. Therefore, due to its unique properties, the use of BMPs in bone tissue regeneration is one of the most promising and rapidly developing directions in practical medicine. This review discusses the most important concepts regarding the use of BMPs in stimulating bone regeneration, including their mechanisms of action, modes of use, efficacy, and their advantages and disadvantages.