BACKGROUND: Our previous studies have proved the gene therapy can promote new bone formation in mandibular distraction area.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of electroporation-mediated gene therapy on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the distracted calluses during mandibular distraction osteogenesis in a rabbit model.
METHODS: Bilateral mandibular osteotomies were performed in 50 New-Zeland rabbits. The mandibular distraction osteogenesis models were established. After the completion of distraction, the rabbits were randomly divided into five groups: group A: pIRES-hVEGF165-hBMP2; group B: pIRES-hBMP2; group C: pIRES-hVEGF165; group D: pIRES and group E: normal saline. All the animals were treated with electroporation stimulation.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: VEGF staining was located in cytoplasm of endothelial cells, osteoblasts, fibroblasts, inflammatory cells and immature osteocytes. Their strongest expression was found at 7 days after the end of distraction, declined at 14 days, and weakened with maturation of the newly formed bone at 28 days. But in every point, the gene therapy group was stronger than the control group. It suggests that electroporation-mediated gene therapy can obtain continues expression of VEGF, and make the meaning extended time limit, which can promote angiogenesis during mandibular distraction, and new bone formation.

Yin K, Hu CB, He XC, Li SL, Wu GP, Guo L. Effects of electroporation-mediated gene therapy on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor during mandible distraction. Zhongguo Zuzhi Gongcheng Yanjiu. 2012;16(15): 2733-2736.     [http://www.crter.cn  http://en.zglckf.com]