Osteogenesis and mineralization in a rabbit mandibular distraction osteogenesis model is promoted by the human LMP-1 gene

Abstract

To observe the effects of LIM mineralization protein-1 (LMP-1) on bone regeneration in the distraction zone based on gene transduction, 36 New Zealand white rabbits underwent mandibular lengthening with a distraction rate of 2 mm/day. The animals were then randomly divided into group A and group B (n = 18, each). At the end of the distraction, Ad5-EGFP viruses and Ad5-LMP-1/EGFP viruses were injected into the distraction gaps in groups A and B, respectively. Seven days later, five randomly selected animals from each group were sacrificed to evaluate the survival of the virus. Four and 8 weeks after distraction osteogenesis (DO), six samples randomly selected from each group underwent CT scanning and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry detection. Eight weeks after DO, the rabbits were sacrificed, and the distracted mandibles were harvested. Six animals from each group processed for radiography, micro-CT, histology, and the rest samples were taken three-point bend testing. Using this model, better bone formation and mineralization in the distracted callus were observed in group B when compared with those in group A. The results suggest local transduction with LMP-1 gene promotes osteogenesis and mineralization in DO.

Keywords: LIM mineralization protein; adenovirus; distraction osteogenesis; mineralization; osteogenesis.