Combined effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 and low level laser irradiation on bisphosphonate-treated osteoblasts

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the synergic effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on bisphosphonate-treated osteoblasts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human fetal osteoblast cells (hFOB 1.19) were cultured with 100 µM alendronate. Low-level Ga-Al-As laser alone or with 100 ng/mL rhBMP-2 was then applied. Cell viability was measured with MTT assay. The expression levels of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were analyzed for osteoblastic activity inducing osteoclastic activity. Collagen type and transforming growth factor beta-1 were also evaluated for bone matrix formation. RESULTS: The results showed that rhBMP-2 and LLLT had a synergic effect on alendronate-treated osteoblasts for enhancing osteoblastic activity and bone matrix formation. Between rhBMP-2 and LLLT, rhBMP-2 exhibited a greater effect, but did not show a significant difference. CONCLUSION: rhBMP-2 and LLLT have synergic effects on bisphosphonate-treated osteoblasts through enhancement of osteoblastic activity and bone formation activity.