〈Originals〉Bone regeneration using an OCP/collagen composite supplemented with a bFGF drug delivery system: Evaluation in a rat calvarial bone defect model

[Abstract]Bone regeneration methods using biomaterials, such as a bioactive ceramic (hydroxyapatite)and bioabsorbable ceramic (β-tricalcium phosphate), have been clinically applied as reconstruction materials for various bone defects.　However, bone formation by these ceramics is limited in tissue engineering approaches.　An octacalcium phosphate (OCP)/collagen (Col)-conjugated composite is biodegradable and highly osteoconductive, with OCP particles within Col enhancing the migration of osteoblasts, and, thus, it has potential as a new bone regeneration material.　However, the application of exogenous osteogenic cytokines with this material has not yet been examined.　In the present study, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) delivered by biodegradable gelatin hydrogels for sustained release was incorporated into the OCP/Col composite, and the bone regeneration ability of this system was investigated in a rat calvarial defect model.　Histological, immunohistochemical, and CT examinations revealed that new bone formation was markedly greater by the OCP/Col composite with the bFGF drug delivery system than by the OCP/Col composite alone.　The present results demonstrate the potential of OCP/Col with the bFGF drug delivery system for the treatment of difficult bone defects

〈Original〉Enhanced cartilage regeneration by slow-release of basic fibroblast growth factor impregnated in gelatin microspheres

[Abstract]cartilage graft is used for various reconstructions in the plastic surgery field. Auricular and costal cartilages are generally harvested, and the amount of collectable cartilage is often limited. The optimal utilization of collected cartilage to maximize the effect of cartilage graft has always been attempted resulting in unfavorable donor deformity with pain when harvest volume is large. Tissue reconstruction with minimizing donor site sacrifice is the ideal method. In this study, we introduced a bFGF slow-release system on a cartilage disk and investigated the possibility of uantitatively growing cartilage in a large animal model

Human Adipocyte Conditioned Medium Promotes In Vitro Fibroblast Conversion to Myofibroblasts

Abstract Adipocytes and adipose tissue derived cells have been investigated for their potential to contribute to the wound healing process. However, the details of how these cells interact with other essential cell types, such as myofibroblasts/fibroblasts, remain unclear. Using a novel in-vitro 3D human adipocyte/pre-adipocyte spheroid model, we investigated whether adipocytes and their precursors (pre-adipocytes) secrete factors that affect human dermal fibroblast behavior. We found that both adipocyte and pre-adipocyte conditioned medium induced the migration of fibroblasts, but only adipocyte conditioned medium induced fibroblast differentiation into a highly contractile, collagen producing myofibroblast phenotype. Furthermore, adipocyte mediated myofibroblast induction occurred through a TGF-β independent mechanism. Our findings contribute to a better understanding on the involvement of adipose tissue in wound healing, and may help to uncover and develop fat-related wound healing treatments