Objective: Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is a common anomaly of the orofacial region. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation has been a focus of regenerative medicine, and its application to the repair of bone defects in patients with CLP is highly anticipated. This study investigated the potential for using MSCs to regenerate bone in a jaw cleft as well as the survival of transplanted MSCs using a canine model of CLP.
Design: Mesenchymal stem cells collected from the bone marrow of beagle dogs were transplanted along with carbonate hydroxyapatite into jaw clefts in beagle dogs. Mesenchymal stem cells labeled with fluorescent silica nanoparticles were also transplanted, and a histological analysis was performed 3 months later to evaluate MSC survival.
Results: Carbonate hydroxyapatite regeneration into bone was enhanced by cotransplantation of MSCs. The survival rate of MSCs transplanted after 3 months was 5.7%.
Conclusions: Transplanted MSCs promote bone regeneration, although their survival rate is low.
Keywords: bone regeneration; carbonated hydroxyapatite; mesenchymal stem cell.