Abstract
BackgroundThe aim of the present study is to analyze the behavior of selected populations of oral keratinocytes and T-lymphocytes, responsible for re-constructing and maintaining the oral epithelial tissue architecture, following augmentation of the keratinized oral mucosa using a 3D-collagen matrix.MethodsDifferent groups of oral keratinocytes were isolated from biopsies harvested from 3 patients before the surgical procedure, as well as 7 and 14 days after the augmentation procedure. T-lymphocytes were isolated from peripheral blood at same timepoints. Keratinocytes were characterized for stem and differentiation markers, such as p63, cytokeratin 10 and 14, and in vitro parameters, such as cell viability, cell size and colony-forming efficiency. T-lymphocytes were analyzed for viability and the expression of various cluster of differentiation markers. The methods included magnetic separation of cell populations, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and histology of oral biopsies.ResultsBoth at 7 and 14 days, the majority of cells that repopulate the matrix were actively proliferating/progenitor oral keratinocytes with the phenotype integrin alfa6beta4 + CD71+. These cells display in vitro characteristics similar to the progenitor cells analyzed before the matrix placement. T-lymphocytes expressed CD8 and CD69 markers, while CD25 was absent.ConclusionThe study shows that two weeks after the collagen membrane placement, the healing process appeared to be histologically complete, with no abnormal immune response induced by the matrix, however, with a higher than usual content of active proliferating cells, the majority of keratinocytes being characterized as transit amplifying cells.
Highlights
The aim of the present study is to analyze the behavior of selected populations of oral keratinocytes and T-lymphocytes, responsible for re-constructing and maintaining the oral epithelial tissue architecture, following augmentation of the keratinized oral mucosa using a 3D-collagen matrix
A lack of adequate keratinized mucosa around dental implants is associated with more plaque accumulation, tissue inflammation, mucosal recession as well as loss of attachment [2], soft tissue augmentation procedures in clinical practice have been the focus of increased attention recently
Cell viability The data represent the percentage of viable oral keratinocyte progenitor cells for various samples at different time points: 0, 7 and 14 days
Summary
The aim of the present study is to analyze the behavior of selected populations of oral keratinocytes and T-lymphocytes, responsible for re-constructing and maintaining the oral epithelial tissue architecture, following augmentation of the keratinized oral mucosa using a 3D-collagen matrix. The rationale for performing gingival augmentation procedures around natural teeth and dental implants includes facilitating plaque control and improving patient comfort, in conjunction with restorative, prosthetic or orthodontic procedures, and the prevention of gingival recession [3]. The surgical approach most frequently used for gingival augmentation is the apically repositioned flap plus the application of an autogenous free gingival graft or subepithelial connective tissue graft harvested from the palatal mucosa [4]. A two-layer xenogeneic collagen matrix has been used for augmenting keratinized tissue around teeth and dental implants [1, 9, 10], while a systematic review concluded that the apically positioned flap/vestibuloplasty plus collagen matrix demonstrated less gain in keratinized mucosa, and less patient morbidity and surgery time [11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
