Application Of HIF-1? By Gene Therapy Enhances Angiogenesis And Osteogenesis In Alveolar Bone Defect Regeneration

Purpose: A successful clinical outcome for implanted tissue-engineered bone is dependent on the establishment of a functional vascular network. Gene-enhanced tissue engineering represents a promising approach for vascularization and osteogenesis. In this study, we tested the angiogenesis and osteogenesis efficacy of gelatin as the scaffold carrier in combination with a virus encoding the HIF-1? gene in a rat alveolar bone defect model.Material and methods: Three groups of 10 rats each were left untreated, treated with adenovirus encoding hypoxia-inducible factor-1?(AdHIF-1?)/gelatin sponge, or treated with gelatin sponge with adenovirus encoding red fluorescence protein(AdRFP), respectively. At 4 weeks, all samples were determined by micro-computed tomography, histological analyses and immunohistochemical studies.Results: Scaffolds loaded with AdHIF-1? were able to sustain release of AdHIF-1? for up to 21 days and alveolar bone defects treated with scaffolds containing AdHIF-1? significantly induced new bone and new vessel formation in vivo.Conclusion: Overexpression of HIF-1? by gene therapy may be a useful method to enhance alveolar bone defect osteogenesis and angiogenesis.