New bovine bone graft with integrated atelocollagen Type I in artificial defects. Histologic and histomorphometric study in sheep

Abstract

Background: A new natural bovine bone grafting material with incorporated Type I atelocollagen has been recently introduced for the use in regenerative dentistry. Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the bone regeneration obtained using bovine bone graft with integrated atelocollagen Type I in artificial jaw bone defects, in sheep. Setting and Design: This is an in vivo study using an animal model (sheep). Materials and Methods: Four hollow titanium cylinders 4.0-mm internal diameter and 8-mm length, termed “bone growing chambers” (BGC), were inserted in two sheep mandibles. In the right side of each animal, the BGC was filled by the novel natural bovine bone graft with integrated atelocollagen Type I (test group), while the left BGC was left empty to be filled only by blood clot (control group). After 2 months of healing, the animals were sacrificed, and both histological and morphometric analysis were performed. Statistical Analysis Used: A nonparametric Mann–Whitney test was used. Results: All titanium chambers were well osseointegrated after 2 months of healing. In the test group, newly formed bone mixed with residual granules appeared incorporated in the new trabeculae. The histomorphometric analysis revealed a total bone volume percentage of 52.01 ± 8.62 for the test group and 33.72 ± 18.18 for the control group. Conclusion: The bone structure observed in the test group was more compact than the control group. This result could be attributed only partially to the presence of newly formed bone mixed to residual granules of grafting material. The graft material with atelocollagen seemed to improve the new bone formation; however, other studies are needed to compare regenerated tissue properties over the time.