RESUMO
Background: Lactoferrin possesses the ability to promote migration and proliferation of fibroblasts which represents one potential reason for the use of lactoferrin to accelerate the healing process in gingival wounds. Aim and Objectives:To analyze the role of lactoferrin in Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 (FGF-2) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) expression in the healing process of gingival wounds. Material and Methods: Twenty eight male Wistar rats were divided into four treatment groups. All rats were incised using a full thickness method on the gingival anterior region of the mandible to which a single application of lactoferrin concentration 10 μg/ml, 20 μg/ml, 40 μg/ml and phosphate buffer saline (control) was made. On the third day post-application, the rats were sacrificed to enable removal of the gingival tissue on the mandible. The role of lactoferrin was evaluated based on FGF-2 and VEGF expression identified through immunohistochemical staining. Results: In general, the group administered ith lactoferrin showed higher FGF-2 and VEGF expression compared to that of the control group (p=0.000). The group treated with 40 μg/ml lactoferrin concentration showed a higher FGF-2 and VEGF expression than the groups treated with 10 μg/ml and 20 μg/ml (p=0.000) lactoferrin concentration. Conclusion: Lactoferrin concentration of 40 μg/ml can accelerate the healing process of gingival wounds by increasing FGF-2 and VEGF expression.