[Bone regeneration using bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)].

Abstract

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) is one of the most promising osteoinductive substances and is expected to be applied clinically for bone reconstruction. BMP has restored critical-size bone defects in numerous animal experiments, but the evaluation of bone formation by BMP in primates is a prerequisite for its clinical application. We attempted to restore the mandible bone defects in primates using BMP. The implantation of BMP with the carrier completely regenerated the mandible bone defects in the young primates, and the occlusal function was restored by the dental implants inserted into the regenerated bone. Although the use of BMP alone to regenerate mandible bone defects in old monkeys produced inconclusive results, the combination grafts of BMP and bone marrow, which contained osteoprogenitor cells, were successful. Furthermore, the combination of BMP and the culture-expanded cells derived form bone marrow grafts regenerate the segmental bone defects in the mandibles of old monkeys. Thus, the implantation of BMP with the BMP-responding cells could restore large bone defects even in elderly patients.