Objective: Signaling molecules derived from osteocytes have been proposed as a mechanism by which autografts contribute to bone regeneration. However, there have been no studies that determined the role of osteocytes in bone grafts.
Material and method: Herein, it was examined whether bone chips and demineralized bone matrix release sclerostin and FGF-23, both of which are highly expressed by osteocytes.
Results: Bone grafts from seven donors were placed in culture medium. Immunoassay showed that bone chips released sclerostin (median 1.0 ng/ml) and FGF-23 (median 9.8 relative units/ml) within the first day, with declining levels overtime. Demineralized bone matrix also released detectable amounts of sclerostin into culture medium, while FGF-23 remained close to the detection limit. In vitro expanded isolated bone cells failed to release detectable amounts of sclerostin and FGF-23.
Conclusion: These results suggest that autografts but also demineralized bone matrix can release signaling molecules that are characteristically produced by osteocytes.
Keywords: FGF-23; autologous bone; bone grafts; demineralized bone matrix; osteocytes; sclerostin.
© 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.