Background: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) and Adipose tissue stem cells (ADSCs) demonstrated promising results in promoting the regeneration process of the periodontium including alveolar bone.
Aim: Compare the regenerative capacity of BMMSCs and ADSCs in chitosan scaffolds implanted in rabbit femurs bony defects.
Methods: 15 New Zealand rabbits were enrolled in this study. Four holes were drilled in each rabbit. The rabbits were divided into 3 groups, 5 rabbits each. Group A (control group) received chitosan gel only. Group B received with Rabbit- BMMSCs in chitosan gel while Group C received with Rabbit–ADSCs in carrier gel. Rabbits were sacrificed after 8 weeks. Morphological assessment was accomplished using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Energy Dispersive x-ray Analysis (EDXA) was used to analyze different inorganic and organic elements.
Results: SEM showed homogenous bony surface with complete bone healing in the ADSCs group. BMMSCs group showed delayed healing while control group exhibited primary phase of bone healing. EDXA results of Magnesium and Phosphorus weight % were significantly higher in ADSCs group than BMMSCs and control groups. Calcium and Ca/P ratio weight % exhibited the highest significant results in BMMSCs group more than control and ADSCs. Nitrogen weight % displayed the highest significant results in BMMSCs then decreased in ADSCs and control group. Additionally, Carbon weight % showed increased significant results in control group when compared to BMMSCs and ADSCs.
Conclusion: Both ADSCs and BMMSCs treatments promoted more bone formation compared to chitosan alone. Besides, ADSCs yielded superior regenerative capacity compared to BMMSCs.