A WNT protein therapeutic accelerates consolidation of a bone graft substitute in a pre-clinical sinus augmentation model.

Aim: Autologous bone grafts consolidate faster than bone graft substitutes (BGSs) but resorb over time, which compromises implant support. We hypothesized that differences in consolidation rates affected the mechanical properties of grafts and implant stability, and tested whether a pro-osteogenic protein, liposomal WNT3A (L-WNT3A), could accelerate graft consolidation.

Materials And Methods: A transgenic mouse model of sinus augmentation with immunohistochemistry, enzymatic assays, and histology were used to quantitatively evaluate the osteogenic properties of autografts and BGSs.

Biology of sinus floor augmentation with an autograft versus a bone graft substitute in a preclinical in vivo experimental model.

Objectives: Compared to autografts, bone graft substitutes are slower to consolidate. If we understood why, this might open strategies to accelerate new bone formation and thus shorten the time to implant placement. In this study, we aimed at comparing autologous bone graft with a bovine bone graft substitute in a preclinical sinus lift model.

Bioactivating a bone substitute accelerates graft incorporation in a murine model of vertical ridge augmentation.

Objective: Compared to autologous bone grafts, allogeneic bone grafts integrate slowly, which can adversely affect clinical outcomes. Here, our goal was to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying graft incorporation, and then test clinically feasible methods to accelerate this process.

Methods: Wild-type and transgenic Wnt "reporter" mice were used in a vertical ridge augmentation procedure.