Acemannan sponges stimulate alveolar bone, cementum and periodontal ligament regeneration in a canine class II furcation defect model

Incorporation of aligned PCL-PEG nanofibers into porous chitosan scaffolds improved the orientation of collagen fibers in regenerated periodontium

The periodontal ligament (PDL) is a group of highly aligned and organized connective tissue fibers that intervenes between the root surface and the alveolar bone. The unique architecture is essential for the specific physiological functionalities of periodontium. The regeneration of periodontium has been extensively studied by researchers, but very few of them pay attention to the alignment of PDL fibers as well as its functionalities. In this study, we fabricated a three-dimensional multilayered scaffold by embedding highly aligned biodegradable poly (ε-caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PCE) copolymer electrospun nanofibrous mats into porous chitosan (CHI) to provide topographic cues and guide the oriented regeneration of periodontal tissue. In vitro, compared with random group and porous control, aligned nanofibers embedded scaffold could guide oriented arrangement and elongation of cells with promoted infiltration, viability and increased periodontal ligament-related genes expression. In vivo, aligned nanofibers embedded scaffold showed more organized arrangement of regenerated PDL nearly perpendicular against the root surface with more extensive formation of mature collagen fibers than random group and porous control. Moreover, higher expression level of periostin and more significant formation of tooth-supporting mineralized tissue were presented in the regenerated periodontium of aligned scaffold group. Incorporation of aligned PCE nanofibers into porous CHI proved to be applicable for oriented regeneration of periodontium, which might be further utilized in regeneration of a wide variety of human tissues with a specialized direction.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

The regeneration of periodontium has been extensively studied by researchers, but very few of them give attention to the alignment of periodontal ligament (PDL) fibers as well as its functionalities. The key issue is to provide guidance to the orientation of cells with aligned arrangement of collagen fibers perpendicular against the root surface. This study aimed to promote oriented regeneration of periodontium by structural mimicking of scaffolds. The in vitro and in vivo performances of the scaffolds were further evaluated to test the topographic-guiding and periodontium healing potentials. We also think our research may provide ideas in regeneration of a wide variety of human tissues with a specialized direction.

Comparing three different three-dimensional scaffolds for bone tissue engineering: an in vivo study

INTRODUCTION

Three-dimensional Scaffold structure of synthetic biomaterials with their interconnected spaces seem to be a safe and effective option in supporting bone regeneration. The aim of this animal study was to compare the effectiveness of three different biocompatible scaffolds: bioglass (BG), demineralized bone matrix (DBM) and forstrite (FR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four healthy dogs were anesthetized and the first to fourth premolars were extracted atraumatically in each quadrant. After healing, linear incision was prepared from molar to anterior segment and 4 defects in each quadrant (16 defects in each dog) were prepared. Scaffold blocks of BG, DBM and FR were resized according to size of defects and placed in the 12 defects randomly, 4 defects remained as control group. The dogs were sacrificed in 4 time intervals (15, 30, 45 and 60 days after) and the percentage of different types of regenerated bones (lamellar and woven) and connective tissue were recorded in histological process. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and post hoc using SPSS software Ver. 15 at significant level of 0.05.

RESULTS

In day 30th, although the amount of regenerated lamellar bone in control, DBM and BG Scaffold (22.37±3.44; 21.46±1.96; 21.21±0.96) were near to each, the FR Scaffold provided the highest amount of lamellar (29.71±7. 94) and woven bone (18.28±2.35). Also, FRS caffold showed significant difference with BG (p=0.026) and DBM Scaffolds (p=0.032) in regenerated lamellar bone.

CONCLUSION

We recommend paying more attention to FR Scaffold as a biomaterial, but it is better to be compared with other nano biomaterials in future studies.

Evaluation of biological properties and clinical effectiveness of Aloe vera: A systematic review

Aloe vera (蘆薈 lú huì) is well known for its considerable medicinal properties. This plant is one of the richest natural sources of health for human beings coming. The chemistry of the plant has revealed the presence of more than 200 different biologically active substances. Many biological properties associated with Aloe species are contributed by inner gel of the leaves. Most research has been centralized on the biological activities of the various species of Aloe, which include antibacterial and antimicrobial activities of the nonvolatile constituents of the leaf gel. Aloe species are widely distributed in the African and the eastern European continents, and are spread almost throughout the world. The genus Aloe has more than 400 species but few, such as A. vera, Aloe ferox, and Aloe arborescens, are globally used for trade. A. vera has various medicinal properties such as antitumor, antiarthritic, antirheumatoid, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties. In addition, A. vera has also been promoted for constipation, gastrointestinal disorders, and for immune system deficiencies. However, not much convincing information is available on properties of the gel. The present review focuses on the detailed composition of Aloe gel, its various phytocomponents having various biological properties that help to improve health and prevent disease conditions.

Acemannan, an Extracted Polysaccharide from Aloe vera: A Literature Review

In this review, the composition, actions, and clinical applications of acemannan in medicine and its effectiveness as an adjunct in the treatment of diseases are presented. An electronic literature search was performed up to January 2014 for studies and research presenting data to validate the efficacy of acemannan. A total of 50 titles, abstracts and full-text studies were selected and reviewed. Acemannan has various medicinal properties like osteogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial, which accelerate healing of lesions. Also, acemannan is known to have antiviral and antitumor activities in vivo through activation of immune responses. It was concluded that Aloe vera has immense potential as a therapeutic agent. Even though the plant is a promising herb with various clinical applications in medicine and dentistry, more clinical research needs to be undertaken to validate and explain the action of acemannan in healing, so that it can be established in the field of medicine and a more precise understanding of the biological activities of these is required to develop Aloe vera as a pharmaceutical source.