OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of acid fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) on guided bone regeneration (GBR), to study whether aFGF can promote the repairing ability of GBR in bone defect. METHODS 10 mm long segmental defects were created in the diaphyses of both radii in 16 New Zealand rabbits. The defect was bridged with a silicon tube. Human recombinant aFGF was instilled into the tube on the experimental side, while the contralateral tube was instilled with saline as control group. The radiographic, gross and histologic examination of the samples were analyzed at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after operation. RESULTS On the experimental side, there was new bone formation in the bone medullary cavity, the endosteum and the section surface of the cortex at 2 weeks. At 4 weeks, at the center of the blood clot in the tube there was new bone formation and bone defect was completely healed at 8 weeks. On the control side, new bone formation was less in every period compared with that of the experimental side. At 8 weeks, there was only partial healing of the bone defect. CONCLUSION It can be concluded that aFGF can promote new bone formation and facilitate GBR in bone defect.
Objective To review the research progress on acid fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) in promoting tissue injury repair and its mechanism of action. Methods By searching and reviewing the basic and clinical studies on aFGF published in recent years, the roles of aFGF in tissue injury including full-thickness skin, skin and mucous barrier, bone and nerve fiber were summarized. Results As a key member of the FGF family, aFGF exhibits potent mitogenic activity, it can regulate various cells proliferation and migration, accelerate extracellular matrix synthesis, promote angiogenesis and nerve fiber repair, upregulate tight junction protein expression, and therefore exert dual regulatory effects on dermal and epidermal regeneration and repair. It demonstrates promising clinical application for full-thickness healing and skin and mucous barriers repair. Additionally, it mediates the regeneration and differentiation of osteoblasts, cardiomyocytes, and follicle cells, exhibiting potential for repairing multiple tissues and organs. Furthermore, the aFGF’s functions in regulating energy metabolism, immune-inflammatory responses, and alleviating aging have revealed in recent years, indicating a broad clinical application. Conclusion aFGF is a valuable member of the FGF family. It is widely used in various kinds of wound healing, besides, it also holds promising application in multiple tissue and organ regeneration and repair.