Background Spinal fusion is considered the gold standard procedure for treating spinal
degeneration, tumors, and trauma. An inflammatory response is an important part of bone …

Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is an inflammatory mediator acting as a fluid-phase pattern recognition
molecule and playing an essential role in innate immunity and matrix remodeling …

The innate immune system is equipped with a number of germ-line encoded soluble pattern
recognition molecules (PRMs) that collectively mediate the humoral host response to …

Immunologically restricted patients such as those with autoimmune diseases or
malignancies often suffer from delayed or insufficient fracture healing. In human fracture …

Pulp revascularization is a promising procedure for the treatment of adolescents' immature
permanent teeth with necrotic pulp and/or apical periodontitis. However, the ability to …

Smokers are at a higher risk of delayed union or nonunion after fracture repair. Few specific
interventions are available for prevention because the molecular mechanisms that result in …

The healing of bone fractures can become aberrant and lead to nonunions which in turn
have a negative impact on patient health. Understanding why a bone fails to normally heal …

Bones are an important component of vertebrates; they grow explosively in early life and
maintain their strength throughout life. Bones also possess amazing capabilities to repair …

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic inflammation of the intestinal
tract and is associated with decreased bone mineral density. IBD patients are at higher risk …

This chapter provides an overview of the growth factors active in bone regeneration and
healing. Both normal and impaired bone healing are discussed, with a focus on the …