A comparative study of bovine bone used alone and in combination with transforming growth factor-beta for the treatment of periodontal osseous defects in humans

Abstract

Transforming growth factor-betas (TGF?s) are multifunctional growth factors with a broad range of biological activities in various cell types in many different tissues. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the treatment of intrabony defects with anorganic bovine bone mineral matrix combined with TGF?-1 with the use of anorganic bovine bone alone. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Thirty-two sites from sixteen patients were selected using a split-mouth study design for each patient, determined randomly through a biased coin randomization. One site received a mucoperiosteal flap, and the osseous defect was filled with the combined therapy (Group 1). The other site treated was with anorganic bovine bone alone and served as a control (Group 2). All the treated sites were covered with a bioabsorbable collagen membrane. The clinical parameters and radiographic follow-up examinations were recorded after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. <b>Results:</b> Clinically, there was a statistically significant gain in the clinical attachment level (+5.03 ? 0.14 mm) and a statistically significant reduction of pocket probing depth (?5.16 mm ? 0.13) for Group 1 sites compared to sites in Group 2 (P ? 0.01). In addition, there were significant differences in bone density and a significant decrease of marginal bone loss after the combined therapy compared with the use of anorganic bovine bone alone (P ? 0.01). <b>Conclusion:</b> The use of anorganic bovine bone mineral matrix combined with TGF?-1 seemed to be effective in the treatment of intrabony defects. This showed an improvement in the clinical outcome of periodontal therapy superior to the use of anorganic bovine bone on its own.