Research Highlight

3. Biological mechanisms of distraction histologenesis and their clinical applications.

Distraction histologenesis (DH) is a novel technique to employ mechanical stimuli for tissue regeneration. We have defined the optimal lengthening rate for promoting bone cell proliferation, angiogenesis and BMP-4 gene expression; we have found that programed cell death is involved in distraction osteogenesis responsible for the rapid bone remodeling; we have reported the use of rhBMP-2, small molecule TP508 and MSCs for enhancing bone consolidation in distraction osteogenesis.  Lately, we reported for the first time that combined use of biomaterials and distraction osteogenesis can significantly shorten the treatment duration and enhance the quality of new bone formation, and joint distraction can slow down the degeneration of cartilage tissues in a rat osteoarthritis model.   We continue researching on the use of novel biomaterials in DH and the novel applications of DH in the management of avascular diseases. 

PPT: Distraction osteogensis: Biology and New Clincial Applicaitons

Representative Publications:

1. Chen YF, Sun YX, Pan XH, Ho KW, Li G.  Joint distraction attenuates osteoarthritis by reducing secondary inflammation, cartilage degeneration and subchondral bone aberrant change. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage; 2015; 23 (10): 1728-1735.

2. Lan X, Zhang LH, *TP, Xia HT, Li G, Peng AM, Han YL, Yuan BT,  Xu, WP.  S-osteotomy with lengthening and then nailing compared with traditional Ilizarov method. International Orthopaedics, 2013; 37(10):1995-2000.

3. Ni M, Li G, Tang PF, Chan KM, Wang Y.  rhBMP-2 not Alendronate combined with HA-TCP biomaterial and distraction osteogenesis enhance bone formation.  Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, 2011; 131:1469–1476.

4. Wang Y, Ni M, Tang PF, Li G. Novel application of HA-TCP biomaterials in distraction osteogenesis shortened the lengthening time and promoted bone consolidation. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 2009; 27:477-482.

5. Wang Y, Wan C, Szőke G, Ryaby JT, Li G.  Local injection of thrombin-related peptide (TP508) in PPF/PLGA microparticles enhanced bone formation during distraction osteogenesis.  Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 2008; 26: 539-546.

6. Li G.  New developments and insights learned from distraction osteogenesis.  Current Opinion in Orthopaedics, 2004; 15: 325-330.

7. Li G, Dickson G, Marsh D, H Simpson. Rapid new bone tissue remodeling during distraction osteogenesis is associated with apoptosis. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 2003; 21:28-35.

8. Li G, Bouxsein ML, Luppen C, Li XJ, Wood M, Seeherman HJ, Wozney JM, Simpson H. Bone consolidation is enhanced by rhBMP-2 in a rabbit model of distraction osteogenesis. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 2002, 20: 779-788.

9. Li G, Simpson AHRW, Kenwright J, Triffitt JT. Effect of lengthening rate on angiogenesis during distraction osteogenesis.  Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 1999; 17(3): 362-367.

10. Li G, Simpson AHRW, Kenwright J, Triffitt JT. Assessment of cell proliferation in regenerating bone during distraction osteogenesis at different distraction rates.  Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 1997; 15(5): 765 -772.