Addition of mesenchymal stem cells to the scaffold of platelet-rich plasma is beneficial for the reduction of the consolidation period in mandibular distraction osteogenesis.

PURPOSE

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a wonderful scaffold to induce osteogenesis. In this study, we investigated whether the combination of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) with PRP has advantages over PRP for the reduction of consolidation period in mandibular distraction osteogenesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After osteotomy, an external distraction device was fixed in both mandibles of 38 rabbits. After a 5-day latency period, a total of 6.3 mm was distracted for 6 days. PRP gel with or without MSC was injected into the distracted area on day 1 of the consolidation period. Healing tissues were analyzed histologically, radiologically, and mechanically on weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 after consolidation.

RESULTS

In week 1, the MSC/PRP group was 34%, 20%, 21%, and 32% higher than the PRP group in the result of histomorphometry, radiodensity ratio of new bone/host bone and new bone/adjacent tooth, and microhardness test, respectively. Consolidation period was reduced by 6.6 and 5.1 days at 80% and 90% new bone/host bone ratio through regression analysis, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The addition of MSC in PRP scaffold significantly (P < .05) increased new bone formation, mineralization, and mechanical property compared to the PRP-only group. These results indicate that the combination therapy of MSC and PRP is more effective for reducing the consolidation period of distraction.