HISTOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF THE EFFICACY OF COLLAGEN MEMBRANE IMPREGNATED WITH RECOMBINANT HUMAN FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTOR 2 (rhFGF 2) FOR GINGIVAL RECESSION DEFECTS IN BEAGLE DOGS

BACKGROUNDOne of the most common esthetic concerns associated with the periodontal tissues is gingival recession. Many techniques have been introduced to treat gingival recession, including connective tissue grafting, or CTG; various flap designs; GTR membranes. However, their combination with biologic modifiers has not been explored. So, The present animal study aims to histologically compare collagen membrane impregnated with recombinant human fibroblast growth factor-2 (rhFGF-2) with that of plain collagen membrane in the treatment of Millers Class I and II gingival recessions for root coverage and healing process in beagle dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS18 beagle dogs of ages between 4-6 years were included in the study. The study was conducted as split mouth study on test site collagen membrane impregnated with recombinant human fibroblast growth factor-2 (rhFGF-2) was placed, on control site plain collagen membrane was placed. Histologically bone regeneration, mineralized tissue volume, membrane remnants and clinically recession depth were analysed at baseline, 3 months and 6 months. RESULTSNo significant difference was observed between the test and the control groups from baseline to 3 months (p=0.331 NS) bone regeneration, whereas, significant difference was observed from baseline to 6 months (p=0.008*). The three months histological specimen of the test and control sites showed woven bone (NB) with rich vasculature along with abundant collagen bundles. Remnants of the membrane can also be observed at the periphery with no signs of multinucleated giant cells. The six months histological report of the test site shows matured bone formation, with rich vasculature, but new bone formation was less in control group. Significant difference was seen between test and control groups for mineralized tissue formation at 6-months. (p=0.003). Highly significant difference was seen for membrane degradation in test group (p[≤]0.001**) compared to control group. Significant differences were observed between the test and the control groups for the root coverage from baseline to 3 months. (p=0.008*) and from baseline to 6-months highly significant was observed(p=0.001**). CONCLUSIONThe three months and six months specimens of the test (rhFGF2 membrane) group has shown good amount of bone regeneration and soft tissue healing with limited membrane remnants and reduced recession depth at the test site, when compared to the control group. These results prove that the rhFGF2 growth factor impregnated collagen membrane is highly efficient in treating gingival recession, thus improving the periodontal health.