OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of Eucommiol on osteogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), and the feasibility of applying in mandibular defects repair using ADSCs combined with the extract of Eucommiol scaffold material.

METHODSForty-eight New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into four groups and bilateral mandibular defect was prepared. Group A: Implanted the ADSCs combined with the extract of Eucommiol scaffold, group B: Implanted the ADSCs combined with hydroxyapatite materials, group C: Implanted hydroxyapatite materials, group D: The control group. All the experimental animals were sacrificed after 2, 4, 8, 12 weeks. Tissue samples were observed by gross observation, radiographic analysis, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, scanning electron microscope (SEM). The value of imaging analysis and osteogenesis were evaluated. The results were analyzed by SPSS 17.0 statistical software.

RESULTSIn vivo imaging and histological staining showed that the healing of bone defect and bone quality in group A was significantly better than those in the other groups. SEM showed well biocompatibility between composite material and tissue without inflammation reaction. By measuring and analyzing the dental CT data and new bone area, the bone in group A was obviously better than those in other groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe extract of Eucommiol can promote ADSCs into bone cells. The role of ADSCs combined with extract of Eucommiol scaffold materials has significant bone induction. It is expected that this material could become a new composite material and be used to fix the jaw bone defects.