Bone morphogenetic protein-6 suppresses TGF-β_(2)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in retinal pigment epithelium

AIM:To evaluate the effect of bone morphogenetic protein-6(BMP-6)on transforming growth factor(TGF)-β_(2)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)in retinal pigment epithelium(RPE).METHODS:Adult retinal pigment epithelial cell line(ARPE-19)were randomly divided into control,TGF-β_(2)(5μg/L),and BMP-6 small interfering RNA(siRNA)group.The cell morphology was observed by microscopy,and the cell migration ability were detected by Transwell chamber.The EMT-related indexes and BMP-6 protein levels were detected by Western blotting.Furthermore,a BMP-6 overexpression plasmid was constructed and RPE cells were divided into the control group,TGF-β_(2)+empty plasmid group,BMP-6 overexpression group,and TGF-β_(2)+BMP-6 overexpression group.The EMT-related indexes and extracellular regulated protein kinases(ERK)protein levels were detected.RESULTS:Compared with the control group,the migration of RPE cells in the TGF-β_(2) group was significantly enhanced.TGF-β_(2) increased the protein expression levels ofα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),fibronectin and vimentin but significantly decreased the protein levels of E-cadherin and BMP-6(P<0.05)in RPE.Similarly,the migration of RPE cells in the BMP-6 siRNA group was also significantly enhanced.BMP-6 siRNA increased the protein expression levels ofα-SMA,fibronectin and vimentin but significantly decreased the protein expression levels of E-cadherin(P<0.05).Overexpression of BMP-6 inhibited the migration of RPE cells induced by TGF-β_(2) and prevented TGF-β_(2) from affecting EMT-related biomarkers(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:BMP-6 prevents the EMT in RPE cells induced by TGF-β_(2),which may provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 is a negative regulator of hepatocyte proliferation downregulated in the regenerating liver

AIM: To characterize the expression and dynamic changes of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 in hepatocytes in the regenerating liver in rats after partial hepatectomy (PH), and examine the effects of BMP-2 on proliferation of human Huh7 hepatoma cells. METHODS: Fifty-four adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: A normal control (NC) group, a partial hepatectomized (PH) group and a sham operated (SO) group. To study the effect of liver regeneration on BMP-2 expression, rats were sacrificed before and at different time points after PH or the sham intervention (6, 12, 24 and 48 h). For each time point, six rats were used in parallel. Expression and distribution of BMP-2 protein were determined in regenerating liver tissue by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Effects of BMP-2 on cell proliferation of human Huh7 hepatoma cell line were assessed using an MTT assay.RESULTS: In the normal liver strong BMP-2 expression was observed around the central and portal veins. The expression of BMP-2 decreased rapidly as measured by both immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. This decrease was at a maximum of 3.22 fold after 12 h and returned to normal levels at 48 h after PH. No significant changes in BMP-2 immunoreactivity were observed in the SO group. BMP-2 inhibited serum induced Huh7 cell proliferation.CONCLUSION: BMP-2 is expressed in normal adult rat liver and negatively regulates hepatocyte proliferation. The observed down regulation of BMP-2 following partial hepatectomy suggests that such down regulation may be necessary for hepatocyte proliferation.

Drilling Combined with Adipose-derived Stem Cells and Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 to Treat Femoral Head Epiphyseal Necrosis in Juvenile Rabbits

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of drilling through the growth plate and using adipose-derived stem cells （ADSCs） and bone morphogenetic protein-2 （BMP-2） to treat femoral head epiphyseal ischemic necrosis, which can be done in juvenile rabbits. Passagefour bromodeoxyuridine （BrdU）-labeled ADSCs were cultured, assayed with MTT to determine their viability and stained with alizarin red dye to determine their osteogenic ability. Twomonth-old, healthy male rabbits （1.2 to 1.4 kg, n=45） underwent ischemic induction and were randomly divided into five groups （group A： animal model control; group B： drilling; group C： drilling ＆ ADSCs; group D： drilling ＆ BMP-2; and group E： drilling ＆ ADSCs ＆ BMP-2）. Magnetic resonance imaging （MRI）, X-ray imaging, hematoxylin and eosin staining and BrdU immunofluorescence detection were applied 4, 6 and 10 weeks after treatment. Approximately 90% of the ADSCs were labeled with BrdU and showed good viability and osteogenic ability. Similar results were observed in the rabbits in groups C and E at weeks 6 and 10. The animals of groups C and E demonstrated normal hip structure and improved femoral epiphyseal quotients and trabecular areas compared with those of the groups A and B （P〈0.01）. Group D demonstrated improved femoral epiphyseal quotients and trabecular areas compared with those of groups A and B （P〈0.05）. In summary, drilling through the growth plate combined with ADSC and BMP-2 treatments induced new bone formation and protected the femoral head epiphysis from collapsing in a juvenile rabbit model of femoral head epiphyseal ischemic necrosis.

The Effect of Simvastatin on mRNA Expression of Transforming Growth Factor-β1,Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Tooth Extraction Socket

Aim To determine the effect of local simvastatin application on the mRNA expression level of transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1）, bone morphogenetic protein-2 （BMP-2） and vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） in the tooth sockets of rat. Methodology Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into experimental and control groups （n=24）. Polylactic acid/polyglycolic acid copolymer carriers, with or without simvastatin, were implanted into extraction sockets of right mandibular incisors. The expression of TGF-β1, BMP-2 and VEGF mRNA was determined by in situ hybridization in the tooth extraction socket at five days, one week, two weeks and four weeks after implantation. Results The fusiform stroma cells in the tooth extraction socket began to express TGF-β1, BMP-2 and VEGF mRNA in both experimental and control groups from one week after tooth extraction until the end of experiment. The expression of TGF-131 and BMP-2 mRNA in the experimental group was significantly up-regulated after one, two and four weeks, and expression of VEGF mRNA was significantly increased after one and two weeks compared with that in the control group. Conclusion The findings indicate that local administration of simvastatin can influence alveolar bone remodeling by regulating the expression of a school of growth factors which are crucial to osteogenesis in the tooth extraction socket.

Regulation of scleral fibroblast differentiation by bone morphogenetic protein-2

Bone morphogenesis proteins(BMPs) are multi-functional growth factors. They are expressed in retina,retinal pigment epithelium(RPE) and sclera and serve as a regulator in the growth and development of the eye. This article reviewed the chondrogenic potency of the sclera,biochemical and pathological changes of myopic scleral tissue and the differentiation of chondrogenesis by BMP-2. We proposed the hypothesis that BMP-2 can regulate differentiate of scleral fibroblasts and affect the development of myopia.

Use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 in spine surgery

Bone morphogenetic proteins are osteoinductive factors which have gained popularity in orthopaedicsurgery and especially in spine surgery. The use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 has been officially approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration only for single level anterior lumbar interbody fusion, nevertheless it is widely used by many surgeons with off-label indications. Despite advantages in bone formation, its use still remains a controversial issue and several complications have been described by authors who oppose their wide use.

Implantation of xenogeneic bone combined with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 into bone defect—An scanning electron microscopic study

To determine the ability of a new type of composite xenogeneic bone grafting to repair bone defect. Methods: The new type of composite xenogeneic bone was obtained by combining the chemically treated cance1lous bone with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2). It was implanted on the bone defect of rabbit. Results: There was a large amount of new bone formation within the combined material and the amount was increasing as the time elapsed. In contrast, there was a lot of fibrous tissue with a little new bone formed on the area of the bone defect when the treated cancellous bone was implanted alone. Conclusion: The results imply that the rhBMP-2 plays a very important role in new bone formation and the composite xenogeneic bone appear to be an ideal material for repair of bone defect.

Expression of mature peptide of human bone morphogenetic protein-2 in Escherichia coli

To express die mature peptide of human bone morphogenetic protein-2 in Escherichia coil. Methods: TheDNA fragment encoding the mature peptide of human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (hBMP-2m) was inserted into expression vectorpDH in which foreign gene was controlled by PRPL promoters. E. coli DH5a transformed with recombinant plasmid pDHB2m wasinduced at 42℃to express the target protein. The expressed product was partially purified and refolded, and then implanted intorat thigh muscles to assay its bone inductive activity. Results: After induction, a protein band on SDS-PAGE gel with an apparentmol. wt. of 13kD was observed to anticipate in the strain carrying pDHB2m, but not in the control. The expressed hBMP-2m accounted for 45%-60% of the total bacterial protein. The expressed product existed in a form of inclusion body. After partially purified and refolded, rhBMP-2m could induce the formation of cartilage and bone tissue heterotopically. Conclusion: The maturepeptide of human bone morphogenetic protein-2 has ben successfully expressed in E. coli and the product has ectopic bone inductive activity.

Bone morphogenetic protein-7 induced bone marrow stromal cells differentiate into neuron-like cells

Bone morphogenetic protein-7 is widely accepted as an inducer for bone marrow stem cells differentiating into osteoblasts and chondrocytes. Whether bone marrow stromal cells differentiate into neuron-like cells remains unclear. The current study examined the presence of positive cells for intermediate filament protein and microtubule associated protein-2 in the cytoplasm of bone marrow stromal cells induced by bone morphogenetic protein-7 under an inverted microscope, while no expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein was found. Reverse transcription PCR electrophoresis also revealed a positive target band for intermediate filament protein and microtubule-associated protein 2 mRNA. These results confirmed that bone morphogenetic protein-7 induces rat bone marrow stromal cells differentiating into neuron-like cells.

Three-dimensional kagome structures in a PCL/HA-based hydrogel scaffold to lead slow BMP-2 release for effective bone regeneration

Osteoconductive function is remarkably low in bone disease in the absence of bone tissue surrounding the grafting site,or if the bone tissue is in poor condition.Thus,an effective bone graft in terms of both osteoconductivity and osteoinductivity is required for clinical therapy.Recently,the three-dimensional(3D)kagome structure has been shown to be advantageous for bone tissue regeneration due to its mechanical properties.In this study,a polycaprolactone(PCL)kagome-structure scaffold containing a hyaluronic acid(HA)-based hydrogel was fabricated using a 3D printing technique.The retention capacity of the hydrogel in the scaffold was assessed in vivo with a rat calvaria subcutaneous model for 3 weeks,and the results were compared with those obtained with conventional 3D-printed PCL grid-structure scaffolds containing HA-based hydrogel and bulk-type HA-based hydrogel.The retained hydrogel in the kagome-structure scaffold was further evaluated by in vivo imaging system analysis.To further reinforce the osteoinductivity of the kagome-structure scaffold,a PCL kagome-structure scaffold with bone morphogenetic protein-2(BMP-2)containing HA hydrogel was fabricated and implanted in a calvarial defect model of rabbits for 16 weeks.The bone regeneration characteristics were evaluated with hematoxylin and eosin(H&E),Masson’s trichrome staining,and micro-CT image analysis.

Regulating the bioactivity of non-glycosylated recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 to enhance bone regeneration

Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2(rhBMP-2)is the predominant growth factor that effectively induces osteogenic differentiation in orthopedic procedures.However,the bioactivity and stability of rhBMP-2 are intrinsically associated with its sequence,structure,and storage conditions.In this study,we successfully determined the amino acid sequence and protein secondary structure model of non-glycosylated rhBMP-2 expressed by an E.coli expression system through X-ray crystal structure analysis.Furthermore,we observed that acidic storage conditions enhanced the proliferative and osteoinductive activity of rhBMP-2.Although the osteogenic activity of non-glycosylated rhBMP-2 is relatively weaker compared to glycosylated rhBMP-2;however,this discrepancy can be mitigated by incorporating exogenous chaperone molecules.Overall,such information is crucial for rationalizing the design of stabilization methods and enhancing the bioactivity of rhBMP-2,which may also be applicable to other growth factors.

Effect of dopamine on bone morphogenesis protein-2 expression in human retinal pigment epithelium

AIM：To investigate the effect of dopamine on bone morphogenesis protein-2（BMP-2）expression in retinal pigment epithelium（RPE）cells in vitro.METHODS：ARPE-19 cells as a human RPE cell line were cultured with dopamine for different times（2,4,6,8,12,16and 24h）or with different concentrations（0.1,1,2,5,10,20,and 100μg/m L）in vitro.BMP-2 m RNA expression level in ARPE-19 cells was analyzed with real-time polymerase chain reaction（PCR）analysis and BMP-2 protein level was measured with Western blot analysis.The active form of BMP-2 in the culture medium was measured with enzymelinked immunosorbent assay（ELISA）.RESULTS：The expression level of BMP-2 increased significantly cultured with 20μg/m L dopamine,at different time points（P〈0.05）.BMP-2 m RNA level peaked 2h and the protein level peaked at 6 and 8h after treatment.The concentrations of secreted BMP-2 elevated at 12h and peaked at 24h（P〈0.05）in a time-dependent manner.Treated with 100μg/m L dopamine for 6h,the expression levels of BMP-2 m RNA and protein in ARPE-19 cells were enhanced significantly compared to that in the untreated cells（P〈0.05）.And secreted BMP-2 protein in the cell culture supernatant was also increased（P〈0.05）.CONCLUSION：Dopamine up-regulate BMP-2 expression in RPE cells,and this may be associated with its inhibitive effect on myopia development.

Injectable bioactive polymethyl methacrylate-hydrogel hybrid bone cement loaded with BMP-2 to improve osteogenesis for percutaneous vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty

Poly methyl methacrylate(PMMA)bone cement is used in augmenting and stabilizing fractured vertebral bodies through percutaneous vertebroplasty(PVP)and percutaneous kyphoplasty(PKP).However,applications of PMMA bone cement are limited by the high elasticity modulus of PMMA,its low biodegradability,and its limited ability to regenerate bone.To improve PMMA bio activity and biodegradability and to modify its elasticity modulus,we mixed PMMA bone cement with oxidized hyaluronic acid and carboxymethyl chitosan in situ cross-linking hydrogel loaded with bone morphogenetic protein-2(BMP-2)to achieve novel hybrid cement.These fabric ated PMMA-hydrogel hybrid cements exhibited lower setting temperatures,a lower elasticity modulus,and better biodegradability and biocompatibility than that of pure PMMA cement,while retaining acceptable setting times,mechanical strength,and inj ectability.In addition,we detected release of BMP-2 from the PMMA-hydrogel hybrid cements,significantly enhancing in vitro osteogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by up-regulating the gene expression of Runx2,Coll,and OPN.Use of PMMA-hydrogel hybrid cements loaded with BMP-2 on rabbit femoral condyle bone-defect models revealed their biodegradability and enhanced bone formation.Our study demonstrated the favorable mechanical properties,biocompatibility,and biodegradability of fabricated PMMA-hydrogel hybrid cements loaded with BMP-2,as well as their ability to improve osteogenesis,making them a promising material for use in PKP and PVP.

Synthesis and Characterization of UPPE-PLGA-rhBMP2 Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration

A novel unsaturated polyphosphoester(UPPE) was devised in our previous research,which is a kind of promising scaffold for improving bone regeneration.However,the polymerization process of UPPE scaffolds was unfavorable,which may adversely affect the bioactivity of osteoinductive molecules added if necessary,such as recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2(rhBMP2).The purpose of this study was to build a kind of optimal scaffold named UPPE-PLGA-rhBMP2(UPB) and to investigate the bioactivity of rhBMP2 in this scaffold.Furthermore,the cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of UPB scaffold was assessed in vitro.A W1/O/W2 method was used to fabricate PLGA-rhBMP2 microspheres,and then the microspheres were added to UPPE for synthesizing UPB scaffold.The morphological characters of PLGA-rhBMP2 microspheres and UPB scaffolds were observed under the scanning electron microscopy and laser scanning confocal microscopy.The cumulative release of UPB scaffolds was detected by using ELISA.The cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of UPB scaffolds were evaluated through examining the adsorption and apoptosis of bone marrow stromal cells(bMSCs) seeded on the surface of UPB scaffolds.The bioactivity of rhBMP2 in UPB scaffolds was assessed through measuring the alkaline phosphates(ALP) activity in bMSCs seeded.The results showed that UPB scaffolds sequentially exhibited burst and sustained release of rhBMP2.The cytotoxicity was greatly reduced when the scaffolds were immersed in buffer solution for 2 h.bMSCs attached and grew on the surface of soaked UPB scaffolds,exerting well biocompatibility.The ALP activity of bMSCs seeded was significantly enhanced,indicating that the bioactivity of rhBMP2 remained and still took effect after the unfavorable polymerization process of scaffolds.It was concluded that UPB scaffolds have low cytotoxicity,good biocompatibility and preserve bioactivity of rhBMP2.UPB scaffolds are promising in improving bone regeneration.

Bone Regeneration Enhanced by Antigen-Extracted Xenogeneic Cancellous Bone Graft with rhBMP-2 in Rabbits Mandibular Defect Repair

The effects of large piece xenogeneic bone which was separated from healthy pigs as a scaffold on repair of mandibular defect was investigated and the applicability of antigen-extracted xenogeneic cancellous bone (AXCB) soaked with rhBMP-2 in bone defect repair was assessed. Mandibular defects were created in 48 New Zealand Rabbits, and then randomly divided into 4 groups, which was grafted in the mandibular defects with AXCB, AXCB soaked with rhBMP-2, autograft bone, or blank. Equal number of animals from each group was classified into three time points (4, 8, and 12 weeks) after operation for gross pathological observation, hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) staining, radiographic examination, and bone density measurement. H & E staining revealed that the area percentage of bone regeneration in the group of AXCB/rhBMP-2 graft was 27.72 ± 4.68, 53.90 ± 21.92, and 77.35 ± 9.83 when at 4, 8, and 12 weeks, which was better than that of auto bone graft, prompting that the group of AXCB/rhBMP-2 graft had commendable osteogenic effect. And comparing with the AXCB without rhBMP-2, of which the area percentage of bone regeneration was only 14.03 ± 5.02, 28.49 ± 11.35, and 53.90 ± 21.92, the osteogenic effect of AXCB/rhBMP-2 graft was demonstrated to be much better. In the group of AXCB/rhBMP-2 graft, the area percentage of bone regeneration increased, and the implanted materials were gradually degraded and replaced by autogenous bone regeneration over time. We concluded that antigen-extracted xenogeneic cancellous bone (AXCB) graft soaked with rhBMP-2 had shown excellent osteogenic effect in repair of bone defects, with good biocompability.

Effects of Roughly Focused Extracorporeal Shock Waves Therapy on the Expressions of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 and Osteoprotegerin in Osteoporotic Fracture in Rats

Background：Roughly focused extracorporeal shock waves therapy （ESWT） is characterized by a wide focal area,a large therapy zone,easy positioning,and less pain during treatment.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of roughly focused ESWT on the expression of osteoprotegerin （OPG） and bone morphogenetic protein-2 （BMP-2） in osteoporotic fractures in rats.Methods：Seventy-two female Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats,3 months old,were divided into sham-operated group （n =6） and an ovariectomized （OVX） group （n =66）.Sixty OVX SD rats were used as a model of double proximal tibial osteotomy and inner fixation.The osteotomy site in the left tibia was treated with roughly focused ESWT once at an energy density of 0.26 mJ/mm^2,60 doses/min,and 2000 pact quantities.The contralateral right tibia was left untreated and served as a control.Expression of OPG and BMP-2 in the callus of the osteoporotic fracture area was assessed using immunohistochemistry,real-time polymerase chain reaction （PCR）,and Western blotting analysis.Results：Bone mineral density （BMD） at the proximal tibia,femur,and L5 spine was significantly reduced after ovariectomy.BMD of proximal tibia was 12.9% less in the OVX group than that in the sham-operated group.Meanwhile,bilateral oophorectomy resulted in a lower trabecular bone volume fraction （BV/TV） in the proximal tibia of the sham-OVX animals.Three months after bilateral oophorectomy,BV/TV was 14.29% of baseline BV/TV in OVX legs versus 45.91% in the sham-OVX legs （P 〈 0.001）.These data showed that the SD rats became a suitable model of osteoporosis,3 months after they were OVX.Immunohistochemical analysis showed higher levels of BMP-2 and OPG expression in the treatment group than those in the control group.Compared with the contralateral controls,decreased expression of OPG and BMP-2 at 3 days after roughly focused ESWT,followed by a later increase at 7 days,was indicated by real-time PCR and Western blotting analysis.The OPG messenger RNA （mRNA） expression levels peaked at 6 weeks after the shock wave treatment,paired with a much earlier （at 4 weeks） increase of BMP-2,and declined close to normal at 8 weeks.Conclusions：Roughly focused ESWT may promote the expression of OPG and BMP-2 in the osteoporotic fracture area in rats.BMP-2 and OPG may act synergistically and may lead to a significant enhancement of bone formation and remodeling.

Association between two polymorphisms of the bone morphogenetic protein-2 gene with genetic susceptibility to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine and its severity

Background Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament （OPLL） has a strong genetic background. Previous studies have shown that bone morphogenetic protein-2 （BMP2） and BMP2 mRNA are expressed in ossifying matrix and chondrocytes adjacent to cartilaginous areas of OPLL tissues and mesenchymal cells with fibroblastic features in the immediate vicinity of the cartilaginous areas. It is suggested that BMP2 plays different roles in the different stages of development of OPLL. However, it remains unknown which factors induce ligament cells to produce BMP2. Methods OPLL patients （n=-192） and non-OPLL controls （n=304） were studied. Radiographs of the cervical spine were analyzed for extent of OPLL. We investigated whether single nucleotide polymorphisms of exons 3（-726） T/C and 3（-583） NG in the BMP2 gene are statistically associated with genetic susceptibility to OPLL in Chinese Han subjects. Results There was no statistical difference between the occurrence of exons 3（-726） T/C and 3（-583） NG and the occurrence of OPLL in the cervical spine. However, there was a significant association between occurrence of exon 3（-726） T/C polymorphism and occurrence of OPLL in males of cases and controls in the cervical spine. In addition, no significant association was found between the exons 3（-726） T/C and 3（-583） A/G with number of ossified cervical vertebrae in OPLL patients. Conclusions Exon 3（-583） A/G polymorphism in BMP2 gene is not associated with the occurrence and the extent of OPLL in the cervical spine. Chinese Han male patients with TC and CC genotypes in exon 3（-726） T/C have genetic susceptibility to OPLL but not to more extensive OPLL in the cervical spine.

A single nucleotide polymorphism in the human bone morphogenetic protein-2 gene （109T〉G） affects the Smad signaling pathway and the predisposition to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine

Background Although various systemic and local factors such as abnormal carbohydrate or calcium metabolism, aging, and hormonal disturbances have been suggested as causes of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament （OPLL）, the etiology of OPLL is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether bone morphogenetic protein （BMP）-2 is a candidate gene to modify the susceptibility of OPLL and the mechanism of signal transduction in ossification. Methods A total of 420 OPLL patients and 506 age- and sex-matched controls were studied. The complete coding sequence of the human BMP-2 gene was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction （PCR） and direct sequencing. All single nucleotide polymorphisms （SNPs） were detected and genotyped. BMP-2 expression vectors containing positive polymorphisms were constructed and transfected into the C3H10T1/2 cells. The expression of BMP-2 and the Smad signal pathway in positive cell clones were detected by Western blotting. The alkaline phosphatase （ALP） activity was determined using quantitative detection kits. Results The frequencies for the 109T〉G and 570A〉T polymorphisms were different between the case and control groups. The ＂TG＂ genotype in 109T〉G polymorphism is associated with the occurrence of OPLL, the frequency of the ＂G＂ allele is significantly higher in patients with OPLL than in control subjects （P 〈0.001）. The ＂AT＂ genotype in 570A〉T polymorphism is associated with the occurrence of OPLL, the frequency of the ＂T＂ allele is significantly higher in patients with OPLL than in control subjects （P=0.005）. Western blotting analysis revealed that the expression of P-Smadl/5/8 protein transfected by wild-type or mutant expression vectors were significantly higher than control groups （P 〈0.05）, but there was no statistical difference in each experimental group （P 〉0.05）. The expression of Smad4 protein transfected by wild-type or mutant expression vectors was significantly higher than control groups （P 〈0.05）. The expression of Smad4 protein transfected by pcDNA3.1-BMP2 （109G） and pcDNA3.1-BMP2 （109G, 570T） was significantly higher than the other experimental groups （P 〈0.05）. The increase in ALP activity has been detected in pcDNA3.1-BMP2 （109G） and pcDNA3.1-BMP2 （109G, 570T） transfected cells up to 4 weeks after stable transfection. Activity of ALP was （30.56±0.46） nmol.min^-1.mg^-1 protein and （29.62±0.68） nmol.min^-1.mg^-1 protein, respectively. This was statistically different compared with the other experimental groups （P 〈0.05）. Conclusions BMP-2 is the predisposing gene of OPLL. The ＂TG＂ genotype in the 109T〉G and the ＂AT＂ genotype in the 570A〉T polymorphisms are associated with the occurrence of OPLL. The 109T〉G polymorphism in exon-2 of the BMP-2 gene is positively associated with the level of Smad4 protein expression and the activity of ALP. The Smad mediated sicjnaling pathway plays an important role durincl the Datholoqical process of OPLL induced by SNPs of BMP-2 aene.

Reconstruction of orbital defect in rabbits with composite of calcium phosphate cement and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2

Background Calcium phosphate cement （CPC） is a biocompatible and osteoconductive bone substitute, and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 （rhBMP-2） has strong osteoinductibility, therefore we developed a composite bone substitute with CPC and rhBMP-2 and evaluate its reconstruction effect in rabbit orbital defect.Methods Thirty-six rabbits were randomly divided into two groups and a 5 mmx5 mmx2 mm bone defect in the infraorbital rim was induced by surgery in each orbit （72 orbits in all）. The orbital defects were treated with pure CPC or composite of CPC and rhBMP-2. The osteogenesis ability of different bone substitute was evaluated by gross observation, histological examination, histomorphometrical evaluation, compressive load-to-failure testing, and scanning electron microscope （SEM）.Results Gross observation showed that both bone substitutes were safe and effective for reconstruction of orbital defect. However, histological examination, histomorphometrical evaluation and SEM showed that CPC/rhBMP-2 group had faster speed in new bone formation and degradation of substitute material than CPC group. Compressive load-to-failure testing showed that CPC/rhBMP-2 group had stronger compressive strength than CPC group at every stage with significant difference （P ＜0.05）.Conclusion Composite of CPC/rhBMP-2 is an ideal bioactive material for repairing orbital defect, with good osteoconductibility and osteoinductibility.