Autologous adipose tissue derived MSCs transplantation in cleft

Objectives: Cleft lip and palate is a developmental craniofacial anomaly appeared during gestation in incidence of 1 in 700. Surgical reconstruction of the bone defect is performed by bone grafting. The use of autogenous and alloplastic bone has been studied. Iliac crest as a donor site is considered as gold standard for bone grafting. The main drawback of the procedure is postoperative pain that limits walking and results in a prolonged hospitalization and recovery. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the potential of the implantation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) originated from adipose tissue to a bony defect, that imitates cleft palate in regeneration of new bone tissue in a rat model.
Methods: Adipose tissue derived MSCs were drawn from human origin and seeded on mineral particles and cells classified as osteoblasts. A bony defect was performed in the maxilla of five rats according to an accepted model and the cells were planted in 4 of the 5 rats. The rats' implanted defect were subjected to micro-CT scan followed by a histological analysis.
Results: New bone formation in the defect area was seen after 3 weeks by histological slides and in micro-CT scans.
Conclusions: Adipose tissue derived MSCs may present bone regenerating potential in maxillary defect in rat that immitate cleft plate.