Distraction osteogenesis induces endothelial progenitor cell mobilization without inflammatory response in man

This study demonstrates a mobilization of EPC population during distraction osteogenesis in human limb-lengthening patients. Distraction strain provoked increases in the plasma levels of EPC-mobilizing cytokines, such as, VEGF and SDF-1. These findings suggest a possibility that therapeutical approaches which modulate EPC mobilization may speed bone healing by angiogenesis-osteogenesis coupling during distraction osteogenesis.