Bone Regeneration Capacity of FDBB and DBBM Scaffolds Combined with Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Vertical Augmentation of Rabbit Mandibular Bone Defects

Abstract

Background and Aim: The mandible plays a crucial role in facial structure and function. Mandibular defects can lead to both aesthetic and functional impairments, thus requiring reconstruction using bone graft materials. Xenografts such as Freeze-Dried Bovine Bone (FDBB) are advantageous due to their availability and minimal donor site morbidity. However, their regenerative capacity may be limited. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of tissue-engineered scaffolds combining FDBB or Deproteinized Bovine Bone Mineral (DBBM) with Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells (HUC-MSCs) in promoting bone regeneration in rabbit mandibular defects. Methods: An in vivo experimental study was conducted using rabbits with mandibular bone defects. MSCs were seeded onto FDBB and DBBM scaffolds and implanted into the defects. A control group received DBBM without MSCs. Specimens were harvested at the 4th and 8th weeks post-implantation. Woven bone formation was assessed using histomorphometric analysis. Statistical analyses included Shapiro-Wilk test for normality, Levene's test for homogeneity, ANOVA, and Tukey's post-hoc test to determine differences between groups. Results: The DBBM-MSC group demonstrated the highest percentage of woven bone area at both time points, followed by the FDBB-MSC group, with the control group showing the least. A statistically significant difference was observed only between the DBBM-MSC and control groups at week 8. Conclusions: The combination of MSCs with DBBM and FDBB scaffolds enhances bone regeneration. FDBB-MSC scaffolds showed comparable efficacy to DBBM-MSC, suggesting their potential as an alternative xenograft material. These findings support the application of tissue engineering in maxillofacial reconstruction.