Histological evaluation following treatment of recession-type defects with coronally advanced flap and a novel human recombinant amelogenin

Objectives To histologically evaluate the effects of a novel human recombinant amelogenin (rAmelX) on periodontal wound healing / regeneration in recession-type defects. Materials and methods A total of 17 gingival recession-type defects were surgically created in the maxilla of three minipigs. The defects were randomly treated with a coronally advanced flap (CAF) and either rAmelX (test), or a CAF and placebo (control). At three months following reconstructive surgery, the animals were euthanized, and the healing outcomes histologically evaluated. Results The test group yielded statistically significantly ( p = 0.047) greater formation of cementum with inserting collagen fibers compared with the control group (i.e., 4.38 mm ± 0.36 mm vs. 3.48 mm ± 1.13 mm). Bone formation measured 2.15 mm ± 0.8 mm in the test group and 2.24 mm ± 1.23 mm in the control group, respectively, without a statistically significant difference ( p = 0.94). Conclusions The present data have provided for the first-time evidence for the potential of rAmelX to promote regeneration of periodontal ligament and root cementum in recession-type defects, thus warranting further preclinical and clinical testing. Clinical relevance The present results set the basis for the potential clinical application of rAmelX in reconstructive periodontal surgery.