In vivo osteoinductivity of gelatin β-tri-calcium phosphate sponge and bone morphogenetic protein-2 on an equine third metacarpal bone defect.

This research explored the potential for a gelatin-beta tri-calcium phosphate sponge loaded with bone morphogenetic protein-2 to promote bone regeneration in horses. The findings indicate noticeable improvements in bone regeneration in treated horses, compared to horses treated with other substances or methods.

Objective of the Research

• The main objective of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of a gelatin-beta tri-calcium phosphate (β-TCP) sponge incorporated with bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) on bone regeneration in equines, specifically in defects of the third metacarpal bone.

Methodology

• Six bone defects were created in the third metacarpals of five thoroughbred horses. These defects were then treated with six different treatments in a randomized manner. The treatments include BMP-2 incorporated with the β-TCP sponge (BMP-2/sponge), BMP-2 with a gelatin hydrogel sheet (BMP-2/sheet), free BMP-2, a sheet combined with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), a plain sponge, and a plain sheet.
• The treated defects were monitored over a period of 16 weeks by radiography to assess the bone regeneration process, followed by histological examination after the monitoring period to visualize the bone tissue under a microscope.

Findings

• The results indicated significantly greater bone regeneration in defects treated with the BMP-2/sponge compared to those treated with either the plain sponge or the BMP-2 sheet.
• An extensive area of compact bone tissue was observed in the BMP-2/sponge treatment group in the histological examination, suggesting the effectiveness of using the BMP-2 loaded sponge in promoting bone healing.

Conclusion

• This study concluded that the use of BMP-2 loaded β-TCP sponge accelerated the bone healing process in equines, making it a promising therapeutic strategy for bone regeneration in veterinary medical practice.