Introduction: The autologous bone transplantation is a widely used technique for bone reconstructions. Donor site morbidity and availability limit autologous bone transplantation. Bone tissue engineering combining osteogenic stem cells with osteoconductive scaffolds could solve this problem.

Aim of our study: To analyze osteogenic capacity of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) on a hydroxyapatite scaffold in vivo .

Materials and methods: We randomly divided 32 Wistar rats into four groups (eight in each). We created in each group, 2 mm × 5 mm defects of the body of lumbal vertebra from ventral approach.

Defects were filled with (i) the hydroxyapatite and covered with resorbable collagen membrane, (ii) hydroxyapatite/rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSC)/collagen membrane, (iii) hydroxyapatite/human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC)/collagen membrane and (iv) in the control group we kept empty defect only covered by collagen membrane. Histological and microCT analysis were performed at 8 weeks after implantation.

Results: Histological evaluation showed the most pronounced bone regeneration and stem cells survival in group where combination of hydroxyapatite, human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and collagen membrane were applied to the defect. MicroCT scans showed the highest formation of new bone in the same group.

Conclusion: Our results indicate the possible role of combination of hydroxyapatite, mesenchymal stem cells and collagen membrane in bone regeneration. The implantation of human mesenchymal stem cells represent a safe and effective treatment modality of bone defects.

Conflict of interest : None declared.