Efficacy of a Novel Melatonin-Loaded Gelatin Sponge in Palatal Wound Healing.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this research was to assess both clinically and histologically the effect of a topically applied melatonin-loaded gelatin sponge on palatal wound healing after graft harvesting. METHODS: Twenty-six patients for whom free palatal graft procurement was indicated were divided equally into 2 groups. In the test group, the donor site was covered by a melatonin-loaded gelatin sponge, and in the control group the site was covered by a placebo-loaded gelatin sponge. Wound healing was evaluated on the day of surgery and at 7 and 14 days postsurgery using photo-digital planimetry. Histologic specimens were taken to verify healing type and rate. Pain was assessed via Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for 7 days from the day of the surgery. RESULTS: At the 7-day interval, photo-digital planimetry showed a significant decrease in the traced raw area (P = .04) in the test group compared with the control group and a significant increase in the mean area of immature epithelia (P = .04). At the 14-day interval, there was no statistically significant difference in any area of interest. Histologically, the application of melatonin was associated with accelerated healing and superior maturation at all follow-up time points. No significant differences were noted in VAS scores between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Melatonin-treated tissue showed marked clinical improvement in the first week postsurgery, indicating an increased rate of healing. Similarly, histologic analysis revealed significant maturation at both time intervals. A melatonin-loaded gelatin sponge is a novel palatal wound dressing that can be used to improve wound healing outcomes and reduce patient morbidity.

Regeneration of critical-sized grade II furcation using a novel injectable melatonin-loaded scaffold.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal regenerative therapy using bone-substituting materials has gained favorable clinical significance in enhancing osseous regeneration. These materials should be biocompatible, osteogenic, malleable, and biodegradable. This study assessed the periodontal regenerative capacity of a novel biodegradable bioactive hydrogel template of organic-inorganic composite loaded with melatonin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A melatonin-loaded alginate-chitosan/beta-tricalcium phosphate composite hydrogel was successfully prepared and characterized. Thirty-six critical-sized bilateral class II furcation defects were created in six Mongrel dogs, and were randomly divided and allocated to three cohorts; sham, unloaded composite, and melatonin-loaded. Periodontal regenerative capacity was evaluated via histologic and histomorphometric analysis. RESULTS: Melatonin-treated group showed accelerated bone formation and advanced maturity, with a significant twofold increase in newly formed inter-radicular bone compared with the unloaded composite. The short-term regenerative efficacy was evident 4 weeks postoperatively as a significant increase in cementum length concurrent with reduction of entrapped epithelium. After 8 weeks, the scaffold produced a quality of newly synthesized bone similar to normal compact bone, with potent periodontal ligament attachment. CONCLUSIONS: Melatonin-loaded hydrogel template accelerated formation and enhanced quality of newly formed bone, allowing complete periodontal regeneration. Furthermore, the scaffold prevented overgrowth and entrapment of epithelial cells in furcation defects.

Multidisciplinary management of a fused maxillary incisor: Case report with 5-year follow-up.

Detailed treatment planning and execution are crucial if regenerative approaches are to be attempted to retain fused permanent teeth. Long-term follow-up is necessary to monitor the stability of the final outcome, both esthetically and functionally.

Immunohistopathologic evaluation of Drynaria fortunei rhizome extract in the management of Class II furcation defects in a canine model.

BACKGROUND: Management of furcation defects is still a challenging subject in periodontal therapy. Drynaria fortunei (Df) is a common type of traditional Chinese herb in the area of orthopedics and traumatology. In vitro and tissue engineering studies have shown that Df induces osteoblastic proliferation and promotes the differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells. This study investigated the management of Class II furcation defects in dogs using guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and Df granules mixed with ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß- TCP) alloplast. METHODS: Sixteen Class II critical-sized furcation defects were surgically created in four mongrel dogs: Eight defects were treated with GTR and Df granules mixed with (ß-TCP) alloplast served as the experimental group, while the other eight were managed with GTR and alloplast, served as control. Dogs were sacrificed at 4 and 8 weeks and the premolars were processed for the evaluation of treatment outcome including; osteoblastic count (OC), cementum layer thickness (CLT), percentage of collagen in bone matrix (CBM), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) immunoreaction. RESULTS: Experimental group treated with Df showed a significant increase (P < 0.001) in the values of OC, CLT, CBM, and ALP immunoreactivity when compared with control at 4 and 8 weeks after treatment. CONCLUSION: Drynaria fortunei demonstrated increased regeneration and bone formation when used in the treatment of furcation defects in a canine model.

Thiolated alginate-based multiple layer mucoadhesive films of metformin forintra-pocket local delivery: in vitro characterization and clinical assessment.

INTRODUCTION: Periodontal disease broadly defines group of conditions in which the supportive structure of the tooth (periodontium) is destroyed. Recent studies suggested that the anti-diabetic drug metformin hydrochloride (MF) has an osteogenic effect and is beneficial for the management of periodontitis. OBJECTIVE: Development of strong mucoadhesive multiple layer film loading small dose of MF for intra-pocket application. METHODOLOGY: Multiple layer film was developed by double casting followed by compression method. Either 6% carboxy methyl cellulose sodium (CMC) or sodium alginate (ALG) constituted the inner drug (0.6%) loaded layer. Thiolated sodium alginate (TSA; 2 or 4%) constituted the outer drug free layers to enhance mucoadhesion and achieve controlled drug release. Optimized formulation was assessed clinically on 20 subjects. RESULTS: Films were uniform, thin and hard enough for easy insertion into periodontal pockets. Based on water uptake and in vitro drug release, CMC based film with 4% TSA as an outer layer was the optimized formulation with enhanced mucoadhesion and controlled drug release (83.73% over 12 h). SEM showed the effective fabrication of the triple layer film in which connective lines between the layers could be observed. FTIR examination suggests possibility of hydrogen bonding between the -NH groups of metformin and -OH groups of CMC. DSC revealed the presence of MF mainly in the amorphous form. Clinical results indicated improvement of all clinical parameters six months post treatment. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that local application of the mucoadhesive multiple layer films loaded with metformin hydrochloride was able to manage moderate chronic periodontitis.