Effect of semisynthetic extracellular matrix-like hydrogel containing hepatocyte growth factor on repair of femoral neck defect in rabbits.

Using tissue engineering technology research to develop organized artificial bone, then repair bone defect. This work aims to investigate the role of semisynthetic extracellular matrix-like hydrogel (sECMH) containing hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) on repair of femoral neck defect in rabbits. 18 New Zealand rabbits were used in this study. According to autologous paired comparison method, the left and right sides of rabbit were used as control and experimental side, respectively. The models of bilateral femoral neck bone defect were established. In experimental side, sECMH containing HGF was implanted in the defect area. In control side, no material was implanted in the defect area. At the 2nd, 4th and 8th week after surgery, the gross observation, histological examination and molybdenum target (Mo-target) X-ray examination were performed on the specimens to study the repair of femoral neck defect. In gross observation, there was no macroscopic difference of femoral neck specimen between the 2nd and 4th postoperative week. At the 8th week, the defect orifice was closed with immature cortical bone, with unblocked marrow cavity. HE staining results showed that, at the 4th week, there were more new vessels in defect area of experimental side, compared with control side. At the 8th week, in experimental side there was immature cortical bone connecting the fracture end in defect area, with visible bone marrow cells. Mo-target X-ray examination found that, at the 8th week, the bone tissue repair in experimental side was better than control side. As a new drug delivery system, sECMH containing HGF has good application prospect in bone tissue repair.