The effect of exogenous transforming growth factor-beta(TGF-β) and bone morphogenetic protein(BMP) on rabbit ulnar fracture healing

Objective: To investigate the effect of exogenous transforming growth factor-beta(TGF-β) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) on fracture healing. Method: The model of adult rabbits ulnar fracture were made and treated with TGF-β and BMP respectively or in combination in the fracture site. Fracture healing was evaluated by radiograph, biomechanical tests, measurements of geometric parameters of bone and calcium content in callus. Result: Both TGF-β group and BMP group excelled significantly control group in aspects of quantity of callus, calcium content in callus, the ability of fracture healing and biomechanical strength of bone. The effect of TGF-β group was better than that of BMP group, while combination of both of them brought better result than the application of each of them respectively.Conclusion: Result of fracture healing can be promoted by local application of exlgenous TGF-β and BMP, and the effect of TGF-β is better than that of BMP. The result will be further enhanced if they are applied together with synergistic effect on fracture healing.