The combination of purified recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB and equine particulate bone graft for periodontal regeneration

Background: The objective of this study is to evaluate the potential for periodontal regeneration of a critical‐sized defect with the application of recombinant human platelet‐derived growth factor (rhPDGF‐BB) combined with either a particulate equine or a β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) matrix. Methods: Critical‐sized intrabony 2‐wall defects were created bilaterally on the distal surface of the second premolar and the mesial surface of the first molar in nine hounds. Twelve defects received rhPDGF‐BB/equine treatment, 12 defects received rhPDGF‐BB/β‐TCP treatment, and the remaining 12 sites served as sham‐surgery controls. The animals were sacrificed after a 10‐week healing period. Results: Clinical healing was uneventful without obvious signs of overt gingival inflammation. Histologic and histomorphometric analyses revealed statistically that there were differences among the three groups in terms of new bone formation (P <0.001). The amount of test material for both rhPDGF‐BB/equine and rhPDGF‐BB/β‐TCP groups was comparable, but the amount of newly formed bone was significantly higher (P <0.01) in favor of the rhPDGF‐BB/equine group. The amount of new cementum formed for the rhPDGF‐BB/equine group (4.8 ± 1.3 mm) was significantly higher (P =0.001) than the sham‐surgery control group (1.7 ± 1.9 mm). Conclusion: Both rhPDGF‐BB/equine and rhPDGF‐BB/β‐TCP have the potential to support the regeneration of the periodontal attachment apparatus.