BDNF/HMW‐HA complex as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal treatment of ligature‐induced periodontitis in dogs

Background Recently, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMW‐HA) complex with flap surgery has been shown to promote periodontal tissue regeneration. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of local subgingival application of BDNF/HMW‐HA complex adjunctive to scaling and root planning (SRP) on ligature‐induced periodontitis in dogs. Methods The dogs were divided into four treatment groups: no treatment (control), SRP alone, SRP followed by local application of HMW‐HA (SRP+HMW‐HA), and SRP followed by local application of BDNF (500 μg/ml)/ HMW‐HA complex (SRP+BDNF/HMW‐HA). HMW‐HA or BDNF/HMW‐HA complex was topically applied to periodontal pockets using a syringe without surgery. Two weeks after treatment, clinical parameters (gingival index, clinical attachment level, periodontal pocket depth and bleeding on probing) were recorded and specimens were collected from anesthetized animals for histological analysis. Results The SRP+BDNF/HMW‐HA group showed significant improvement in all clinical parameters compared to other treatment groups. Histologic analysis showed greater suppression of apical migration of epithelial tissue and milder inflammatory cell infiltration in the SRP+BDNF/HMW‐HA group than in the other treatment groups. Furthermore, new cementum and alveolar bone were regenerated, and collagen fibers were inserted into them in the SRP+BDNF/HMW‐HA group. Conclusion BDNF/HMW‐HA complex as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal treatment has the potential to reduce excess inflammation. Further investigation will be needed to clarify periodontal tissue regenerative effects of BDNF/HMW‐HA complex in a nonsurgical setting.