The degeneration of alveolar bone is a precursor to tooth loss and an ongoing issue for those who already wear dentures. Efforts to regenerate bone using agents such as recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) have been challenging, since high levels of such growth factors can trigger inflammation and tumorigenesis. Alternatively, a peptide named OP3-4 may inhibit bone degeneration and stimulate bone forming cell differentiation.
A recent study published in the Journal of Dental Research by scientists at the Tokyo Medical and Dental University demonstrates the ability of an injectable gelatin-based gel carrying bone augmenting agents to stimulate osteogenesis in alveolar bone. Specifically, a gel carrying OP3-4 and a low concentration of BMP-2 was injected into the jaw bones of preclinical murine models to stimulate localized osteogenesis. The researchers found evidence of regeneration of mineralized bone and an increase in bone mass around the injection site, with a higher bone mineral content and density compared to controls.
Overall, the injectable gel carrying these bone-augmenting agents shows promise as a non-surgical option for replacing degenerated alveolar bone and preventing subsequent tooth loss.
Study in Journal of Dental Research: Delivery of RANKL-Binding Peptide OP3-4 Promotes BMP-2–Induced Maxillary Bone Regeneration…
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