Bone regeneration using mesenchymal stem cells loaded onto allogeneic cancellous bone granules

For developing an effective bone regeneration strategy, we studied the efficacy of bone regeneration using allogeneic cancellous bone granules loaded with bone marrow-derived autologous MSCs in NWR radius. In the experimental group, allogeneic cancellous bone granules and co-cultured MSCs were implanted in one forearm. Allogeneic cancellous bone granules were grafted into the other side in control group. For quantitative assessment of bone regeneration, radiographic evaluation, and BMD/BMC measurements were performed at 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks, and histology, micro-CT image analysis were performed at 6 and 12 weeks post-implantation. On radiographic evaluation, the experimental group showed higher bone quantity index at 6 and 9 weeks post-implantation (p<0.05), but the difference was decreased at 12 weeks. On micro-CT image analysis, the experimental group revealed more total volume and surface area of regenerated bone than the control group. The bone volume at 6 weeks reached statistical significance. Histological evaluation of 6 week-specimens revealed much more resorption of grafted granules and new bone formation in the experimental group. In conclusion, the present in-vivo study demonstrated that combining co-cultured autologous MSCs with small-sized allogeneic cancellous bone granules resulted in more and accelerated bone regeneration, especially in the early phase.