The effect of bovine lactoferrin on bone regeneration in surgically created bone defects around dental implants

Immediate placement of dental implants into fresh extraction sockets decreases the total treatment time for patients. Surgically created bone defects around dental implants simulate fresh extraction sockets in experimental animal models. The success of various surgical technics, biomaterials and anabolic agents have been evaluated in treatment of such defects. In recent years, basic science and experimental animal studies have exclusively focussed on the bone regeneration effect of some anabolic agents. The bone regeneration effect of lactoferrin in surgically created bone defects around dental implants has not been evaluated yetThe aim of this experimental study is to evaluate bone regeneration effect of bovine lactoferrin (bLF) loaded gelatin microspheres (GM) and anorganic bovine bone mixture in surgically created bone defects around dental implantsIn our experimental study, 12 adult domestic pigs were used. Twenty four uniform bone defects were created at the forehead region of frontal bone via extraoral approach. The size of the defects were 9 mm in diameter and 4 mm in depth. Twenty four dental implants were placed at the center of the surgically created uniform defects. In eight animals one of these defects was filled with 0.3 cc bovine derived HA while the other was left empty. In the remaining four animals, all defects were filled with bLF loaded GM and anorganic bovine bone mixture. All defects were covered with collagen membranes. All animals were sacrified after 10 weeks of healing period. The implants with surrounding bone defects were removed en bloc. Undecalcified sections were prepared for histomorphometric analysis. The data were analyzed statisticallyAs a conclusion, combination of 3 mg bLF loaded GM and anorganic bovine bone promote bone regeneration and osseoentegration in the large defects around dental implants. In addition, GM drug delivery system is favourable preference for controlled release of bLF.Key words: bovine lactoferrin, controlled release, histomorphometry, implant, circumferential defects.