Inhibition of Dll4/Notch1 pathway promotes angiogenesis of Masquelet’s induced membrane in rats

Abstract

Bone grafts: improving chances of graft acceptance Repairs to serious bone injuries may be improved by blocking a signaling pathway that causes newly forming membranes to fail. Masquelet’s technique involves placing acrylic spacers in areas of bone damage, inducing the formation of vascularised membranes which encourage the body to accept bone grafts. However, sometimes Masquelet’s membranes do not form correctly, leading to weaknesses in bone repairs and potential graft rejection. In experiments on rats, Qian Tang from Wenzhou Medical University, China, and coworkers found that a particular signaling pathway, D114/Notch1, was upregulated around 6 weeks post-operation, reducing blood vessel density and limiting new vessel growth, weakening the membranes. The team inhibited this pathway using an existing therapy that prevents blood clots. This treatment improved bone repairs by promoting the formation and function of blood vessels in membranes.