The Effect of PDGF-Loaded Biodegradable Membrane on Early Healing Stage in Guided Tissue Regeneration

Rhyu, In Chul; Bae, Kyoo Hyun; Seol, Yang Jo; Ku, Young; Han, Soo Boo; Choi, Sang Mook; Chung, Chong Pyoung; Lee, Seung Jin

Abstract

The ultimate objective of periodontal treatment is to stop disease progression and to regenerate destroyed periodontal tissues and thereby regain normal function. Growth factors are naturally found polypetides which stimulate many cellular activities pertaining to wound healing by acting as signal molecule in controlling cell movement, proliferation, and matrix production. Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) is 28,000-35,000 Da molecular weight dimeric protein with 2 long positively charged polypeptide chains connected by sulfide bonds. The purpose of this study is to evaluate histologically the initial guided tissue regeneration in a periodontal defect of a beagle dog treated with a biodegradable membrane formed with polylactic acid (poly-L-lactic acid) and polyglycolic acid loaded with 200ng/cm2 platelet derived growth factor. 2 beagle dogs were used in the experiment. 5mmx6mm alveolar bone defect was formed in upper and lower canines and third premolars and a reference notch was placed. PDGF-BB non-containing membrane was used as control. Each defect was randomly assigned to the test group or the control group. The dogs were sacrificed 3 weeks after membrane placement. Toluidine blue and multiple staining was done for histological analysis. In the 3 week specimen in the control group, no new bone formation could be seen. Small amount of bone resorption below the notch could be seen. In the notch, loose connective tissue with infiltration of inflammatory cells could be seen. Also thin discontinuous new cementum could be seen and the membrane still retained its structure. Where PDGF-BB containing membrane was used, new bone formation could be seen in the notch at 3 weeks and also continuous thin cementum could be seen. PDL cells were observed between new bone and new cementum and some were attached to bone and cementum. These results suggest that new bone and cementum formation seen when PDGF-BB loaded membrane was used was due to inhibition of downgrowth of epithelial cells and also due to continuous release of the growth factor. Further study on the resorption characteristics of the membrane and the release characteristics of the PDGF-BB is necessary. Also, development of a membrane easier to use clinically is necessary.