Regeneration of dental pulp tissue in mature dog teeth with apical periodontitis using vascular endothelial growth factor and bone morphogenetic protein 2

Abstract

Objective To investigate the feasibility of dental pulp regeneration in mature teeth with apical periodontitis on situ using vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) . Methods Apical periodontitis model was established in 14 mature anterior teeth in 2 dogs (10-12 months) . The disinfected root canals were filled with peptide hydrogel scaffold composited with different cytokines: VEGF group, BMP2 group, VEGF+BMP2 group and a control group (without cytokines) . Eight weeks after the operation, a histological observation was undertaken to evaluate the regeneration tissue in the root canals. Results Eight weeks after the operation, newly formed vascularized connective tissue were found in the root canals which filled with VEGF and VEGF+BMP2. No cells and vessels were observed in the root canals in BMP2 group and control group. Conclusion VEGF alone or combinated with BMP2 can induce pulp-like tissue regeneration within the root canals of the mature teeth with apical periodontitis. Key words: Vascular endothelial growth factors; Bone morphogenetic protein 2; Dental pulp; Regeneration; Periapical periodontitis