BMP-2 was initially discovered due to its ability to induce bone formation. It is one of the most potent osteoinductive factors, meaning it can stimulate the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into bone-forming cells . This property makes BMP-2 a valuable tool in bone regeneration and repair, particularly in cases where the body’s natural healing processes are insufficient .
Recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2) is a synthetic version of the naturally occurring protein. It is produced using recombinant DNA technology, which involves inserting the gene for BMP-2 into a host organism, such as bacteria or yeast, to produce the protein in large quantities . This technology allows for the production of highly purified BMP-2, which can be used in various medical applications.
rhBMP-2 has shown significant potential in the field of maxillofacial surgery due to its osteoinductive properties . It has been used to reduce donor site morbidity and increase bone height in sinus and ridge augmentation . Additionally, rhBMP-2 has been applied adjunctively in the treatment of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, with promising results . However, its application in maxillofacial trauma is limited to the restoration of large defects .
Despite its potential, the use of rhBMP-2 is not without concerns. Safety issues such as postoperative edema and the theoretical risk of carcinogenesis have been raised . While postoperative edema is generally manageable, the link between rhBMP-2 and cancer remains unclear . Other limitations include the lack of an ideal carrier, the high cost of rhBMP-2, and the absence of an optimal dosing regimen .
Research on rhBMP-2 continues to explore its potential in bone regeneration and repair. Studies have shown that rhBMP-2 can induce terminal differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells when combined with other signals . This suggests that rhBMP-2 may act as a potentiator of multilineage differentiation, not only of osteogenesis but also of adipogenesis and chondrogenesis . Future research aims to address the safety concerns and optimize the use of rhBMP-2 in clinical settings.
In conclusion, Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (Human Recombinant) is a promising tool in the field of bone regeneration and repair. Its ability to induce bone formation and its potential applications in maxillofacial surgery make it a valuable asset. However, further research is needed to fully understand its safety profile and optimize its use in clinical practice.