Histological evaluation following treatment of recession-type defects with coronally advanced flap and a novel human recombinant amelogenin.

OBJECTIVES To histologically evaluate the effects of a novel human recombinant amelogenin (rAmelX) on periodontal wound healing / regeneration in recession-type defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 17 gingival recession-type defects were surgically created in the maxilla of three minipigs. The defects were randomly treated with a coronally advanced flap (CAF) and either rAmelX (test), or a CAF and placebo (control). At three months following reconstructive surgery, the animals were euthanized, and the healing outcomes histologically evaluated. RESULTS The test group yielded statistically significantly (p = 0.047) greater formation of cementum with inserting collagen fibers compared with the control group (i.e., 4.38 mm ± 0.36 mm vs. 3.48 mm ± 1.13 mm). Bone formation measured 2.15 mm ± 0.8 mm in the test group and 2.24 mm ± 1.23 mm in the control group, respectively, without a statistically significant difference (p = 0.94). CONCLUSIONS The present data have provided for the first-time evidence for the potential of rAmelX to promote regeneration of periodontal ligament and root cementum in recession-type defects, thus warranting further preclinical and clinical testing. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The present results set the basis for the potential clinical application of rAmelX in reconstructive periodontal surgery

Histological evaluation following treatment of recession-type defects with coronally advanced flap and a novel human recombinant amelogenin

ObjectivesTo histologically evaluate the effects of a novel human recombinant amelogenin (rAmelX) on periodontal wound healing / regeneration in recession-type defects.Materials and methodsA total of 17 gingival recession-type defects were surgically created in the maxilla of three minipigs. The defects were randomly treated with a coronally advanced flap (CAF) and either rAmelX (test), or a CAF and placebo (control). At three months following reconstructive surgery, the animals were euthanized, and the healing outcomes histologically evaluated.ResultsThe test group yielded statistically significantly (p = 0.047) greater formation of cementum with inserting collagen fibers compared with the control group (i.e., 4.38 mm & PLUSMN; 0.36 mm vs. 3.48 mm & PLUSMN; 1.13 mm). Bone formation measured 2.15 mm & PLUSMN; 0.8 mm in the test group and 2.24 mm & PLUSMN; 1.23 mm in the control group, respectively, without a statistically significant difference (p = 0.94).ConclusionsThe present data have provided for the first-time evidence for the potential of rAmelX to promote regeneration of periodontal ligament and root cementum in recession-type defects, thus warranting further preclinical and clinical testing

Inhibition of Sema-3A Promotes Cell Migration, Axonal Growth, and Retinal Ganglion Cell Survival

Semaphorin 3A (Sema-3A) is a secreted protein that deflects axons from inappropriate regions and induces neuronal cell death. Intravitreal application of polyclonal antibodies against Sema-3A prevents loss of retinal ganglion cells ensuing from axotomy of optic nerves. This suggested a therapeutic approach for neuroprotection via inhibition of the Sema-3A pathway.Funded by the EU seventh framework program, Grant Agreement #604884.Peer reviewe

Polyurethane scaffold with in situ swelling capacity for nucleus pulposus replacement

Nucleus pulposus (NP) replacement offers a minimally invasive alternative to spinal fusion or total disc replacement for the treatment of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. This study aimed to develop a cytocompatible {NP} replacement material, which is feasible for non-invasive delivery and tunable design, and allows immediate mechanical restoration of the IVD. A bi-phasic polyurethane scaffold was fabricated consisting of a core material with rapid swelling property and a flexible electrospun envelope. The scaffold was assessed in a bovine whole {IVD} organ culture model under dynamic load for 14 days. Nucleotomy was achieved by incision through the endplate without damaging the annulus fibrosus. After implantation of the scaffold and in situ swelling, the dynamic compressive stiffness and disc height were restored immediately. The scaffold also showed favorable cytocompatibility for native disc cells. Implantation of the scaffold in a partially nucleotomized {IVD} down-regulated catabolic gene expression, increased proteoglycan and type {II} collagen intensity and decreased type I collagen intensity in remaining {NP} tissue, indicating potential to retard degeneration and preserve the {IVD} cell phenotype. The scaffold can be delivered in a minimally invasive manner, and the geometry of the scaffold post-hydration is tunable by adjusting the core material, which allows individualized design. Keywords : Intervertebral disc degeneratio

Healing of intrabony defects using a novel human recombinant amelogenin: a preclinical study

OBJECTIVE: To histologically evaluate the effects of a novel human recombinant amelogenin (rAmelX) on periodontal wound healing/regeneration in intrabony defects. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Intrabony defects were surgically created in the mandible of three minipigs. Twelve defects were randomly treated with either rAmelX and carrier (test group) or with the carrier only (control group). At 3 months following reconstructive surgery, the animals were euthanized, and the tissues histologically processed. Thereafter, descriptive histology, histometry, and statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: Postoperative clinical healing was uneventful. At the defect level, no adverse reactions (eg, suppuration, abscess formation, unusual inflammatory reaction) were observed with a good biocompatibility of the tested products. The test group yielded higher values for new cementum formation (4.81 ± 1.17 mm) compared to the control group (4.39 ± 1.71 mm) without reaching statistical significance (P = .937). Moreover, regrowth of new bone was greater in the test compared to the control group (3.51 mm and 2.97 mm, respectively, P = .309). CONCLUSIONS: The present results provided for the first-time histologic evidence for periodontal regeneration following the use of rAmelX in intrabony defects, thus pointing to the potential of this novel recombinant amelogenin as a possible alternative to regenerative materials from animal origins