Bacterial cellulose-hydroxyapatite composites with osteogenic growth peptide (OGP) or pentapeptide OGP on bone regeneration in critical-size calvarial defect model

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of bacterial cellulose-hydroxyapatite (BC-HA) composites associated with osteogenic growth peptide (OGP) or pentapeptide OGP(10–14) in bone regeneration in critical-size calvarial defects in mice. In this study, the BC-HA, BC-HA-OGP, and BC-HA-OGP(10–14) membranes were analyzed at 3, 7, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days. In each period, the specimens were evaluated by micro-computed tomography (µCT), descriptive histology, gene expression of bone biomarkers by qPCR and VEGFR-2 (vascular endothelial growth factor) quantification by ELISA. Three days post-operative, Runx2, Tnfrsf11b and Bglap bone biomarkers were upregulated mainly by BC-HA OGP and BC-HA OGP(10–14) membranes, suggesting an acceleration of the osteoblast differentiation/activity with the use of these biomaterials. At 60 and 90 days, a high percentage of bone formation was observed by µCT for BC-HA and BC-HA OGP(10–14) membranes. High expression of some bone biomarkers, such as Alpl, Spp1, and Tnfrsf11b, was also observed for the same membranes on days 60 and 90. In conclusion, the BC-HA membrane promoted a better bone formation in critical-size mice calvarial defects. Nevertheless, incorporation of the peptides at the concentration of 10−9 mol L−1 did not improve bone regeneration potential in the long-term.

Influence of nicotine and cotinine impregnation on the first step of periodontal regeneration: clot stabilization

This study analyzes the clot stabilization on root surfaces of teeth impregnated with cotinine and nicotine and the influence of the scaling in the adhesion of blood components, observing the influence of new exposition to nicotine and/or cotinine after scaling. Fifteen human teeth extracted due to periodontal disease of non-smokers patients were selected and manually scaled. Four dentin blocks were obtained from each tooth (n = 60). Samples received blood application or reimpregnation with nicotine and/or cotinine, depending on the groups. Group 1: PBS immersion + root scaling + blood; group 2: nicotine + root scaling + blood; group 3: nicotine + root scaling + nicotine reapplication + blood; group 4: cotinine + root scaling + blood; group 5: cotinine + root scaling + cotinine reapplication+ blood; group 6: nicotine and cotinine + root scaling + nicotine and cotinine + blood. Samples were kept in 2 ml of each substance for 24 hours. Each group received a blood drop and was analyzed by SEM. The higher amount of blood components was present in teeth exposed to cotinine and the groups submitted to scaling and blood application in comparison with groups that received reapplication of toxic substances after scaling. The greater toxic effect on root dentin surface was after the exposure to nicotine and cotinine. Results suggest that periodontal healing may be delayed in smokers due to the direct inhibition of clot stabilization on the root surface when nicotine and cotinine are present concomitantly.

Effect of platelet-rich plasma on healing of class III furcation defects treated with autogenous bone grafting and guided tissue regeneration: a histomorphometric study in dogs

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) when used in combination with autogenous bone graft and bioabsorbable membrane (Resolut® ) in the treatment of Class  III furcation defects in dogs. Material and method: Class III furcation defects (5 mm in height and in depth) were surgically created in the mandibular third premolars of five mongrel dogs. After nine weeks, the lesions were treated with scaling and root planning and each defect received one of the following treatments: autogenous bone graft + membrane (group C) or PRP + autogenous bone graft + membrane (group T). After a healing period of 90 days, the animals were sacrificed. Routine histological processing and staining with hematoxilyn and eosin and Masson trichrome were performed and a histomorphometric analysis determined the effect of the treatments on periodontal tissue regereneration. Data were analyzed by Hotelling’s T-squared (p < 0.05). Result: No statistically significant difference between C and T groups was observed by the histomorphometric analysis of the furcation area. Both treatment groups demonstrated similar regenerative results with the furcation defects partially filled and periodontal regeneration limited to the experimental notches of the lesions. (p > 0.05). Conclusion: According to the present results, PRP does not enhance the periodontal regeneration in class III furcation defects treated with autogenous bone graft and bioabsorbable membrane.

Natural latex films as carrier for casearia sylvestris swartz extract associated with ciprofloxacin

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Chitosan-alginate membranes accelerate wound healing

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of chitosan-alginate membrane to accelerate wound healing in experimental cutaneous wounds. Two wounds were performed in Wistar rats by punching (1.5 cm diameter), treated with membranes moistened with saline solution (CAM group) or with saline only (SL group). After 2, 7, 14, and 21 days of surgery, five rats of each group were euthanized and reepithelialization was evaluated. The wounds/scars were harvested for histological, flow cytometry, neutrophil infiltrate, and hydroxyproline analysis. CAM group presented higher inflammatory cells recruitment as compared to SL group on 2nd day. On the 7th day, CAM group showed higher CD11b+ level and lower of neutrophils than SL group. The CAM group presented higher CD4+ cells influx than SL group on 2nd day, but it decreased during the follow up and became lower on 14th and 21st days. Higher fibroplasia was noticed on days 7 and 14 as well as higher collagenesis on 21st in the CAM group in comparison to SL group. CAM group showed faster reepithelialization on 7th day than SL group, although similar in other days. In conclusion, chitosan-alginate membrane modulated the inflammatory phase, stimulated fibroplasia and collagenesis, accelerating wound healing process in rats.

Mast cell concentration and skin wound contraction in rats treated with Brazilian pepper essential oil (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi)

PURPOSE: To evaluate wound contraction and the concentration of mast cells in skin wounds treated with 5% BPT essential oil-based ointment in rats. METHODS: Twenty rats, male, of adult age, were submitted to skin surgery on the right (RA) and left antimeres (LA) of the thoracic region. They were divided into two groups: control (RA - wounds receiving daily topical application of vaseline and lanolin) and treated (LA - wounds treated daily with the topical ointment). The skin region with wounds were collected at days 4, 7, 14 and 21 after surgery. Those were fixed in 10% formaldehyde and later processed for paraffin embedding. Sections were obtained and stained by H.E for histopathology analysis. The degree of epithelial contraction was measured and mast cell concentration were also evaluated. RESULTS: The treated group showed higher mast cell concentrations (p<0.05) associated with increased contraction at day 7 and 14 respectively. CONCLUSION: Ointment containing 5% Brazilian pepper tree oil increases mast cell concentration and promotes skin wound contraction in rats.

Hydroxyapatite and a new fibrin sealant derived from snake venom as scaffold to treatment of cranial defects in rats

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Mesenchymal stem cells engrafted in a fibrin scaffold stimulate Schwann cell reactivity and axonal regeneration following sciatic nerve tubulization

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on peripheral nerve regeneration using fibrin glue derived from snake venom

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Development of lamellar gel phase emulsion containing marigold oil (Calendula officinalis) as a potential modern wound dressing

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Chitosan-alginate membranes accelerate wound healing

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Immunolocalization of markers for bone formation during guided bone regeneration in osteopenic rats

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Bacterial cellulose biocomposites for guided tissue regeneration

Bacterial cellulose (BC) has become established as a remarkably versatile biomaterial and can be used in a wide variety of scientific applications, especially for medical devices. In this work, the bacterial cellulose fermentation process is modified by the addition of chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid (1% w/w) to the culture medium before the bacteria is inoculated. Besides, biomimetic precipitation of calcium phosphate of biological interest from simulated body fluid on bacterial cellulose was studied. Chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid influences in bacterial cellulose were analyzed using transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), XRD (X-ray diffraction) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FTIR analysis showed interaction between bacterial cellulose nanobiocomposites and calcium phosphate and XRD demonstrated amorphous calcium phosphate and calcium chloride on bacterial cellulose nanobiocomposites. SEM images confirmed incorporation of calcium phosphate in bacterial cellulose nanobiocomposites surface with different calcium phosphate particles morphology.

Skeletal muscle degeneration and regeneration after injection of bothropstoxin-II, a phospholipase A2 isolated from the venom of the snake Bothrops jararacussu

A myotoxic phospholipase A2, named bothropstoxin II (BthTX-II), was isolated from the venom of the South American snake Bothrops jararacussu and the pathogenesis of myonecrosis induced by this toxin was studied in mice. BthTX-II induced a rapid increase in plasma creatine kinase levels. Histological and ultrastructural observations demonstrate that this toxin affects muscle fibers by first disrupting the integrity of plasma membrane, as delta lesions were the earliest morphological alteration and since the plasma membrane was interrupted or absent in many portions. In agreement with this hypothesis, BthTX-II released peroxidase entrapped in negatively charged multilamellar liposomes and behaved as an amphiphilic protein in charge shift electrophoresis, an indication that its mechanism of action might be based on the interaction and disorganization of plasma membrane phospholipids. Membrane damage was followed by a complex series of morphological alterations in intracellular structures, most of which are probably related to an increase in cytosolic calcium levels. Myofilaments became hypercontracted into dense clumps which alternated with cellular spaces devoid of myofibrillar material. Later on, myofilaments changed to a hyaline appearance with a more uniform distribution. Mitochondria were drastically affected, showing high amplitude swelling, vesiculation of cristae, formation of flocculent densities, and membrane disruption. By 24 hr, abundant polymorphonuclear leucocytes and macrophages were observed in the interstitial space as well as inside necrotic fibers. Muscle regeneration proceeded normally, as abundant myotubes and regenerating myofibers were observed 7 days after BthTX-II injection. By 28 days regenerating fibers had a diameter similar to that of adult muscle fibers, although they presented two distinctive features: central location of nuclei and some fiber splitting. This good regenerative response may be explained by the observation that BthTX-II does not affect blood vessels, nerves, or basal laminae. © 1991.