Platelet-Rich Fibrin Combined With 1.2% Atorvastatin for Treatment of Intrabony Defects in Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Autogenous platelet concentrates for treatment of intrabony defects-A systematic review with meta-analysis

To provide an overview of the use of autogenous platelet concentrates (APCs) in periodontal regeneration and to conduct a systematic review (SR) of the treatment outcomes of periodontal intrabony defects by using platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) compared with other commonly utilized modalities. The eligibility criteria comprised randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the clinical outcomes of PRF with that of other modalities. Studies were classified into 21 categories and into five different groups as follows: Group I (1) open flap debridement (OFD) alone versus OFD/PRF, (2) OFD versus Titanium-PRF (T-PRF) Group II, (3) Comparative PRF protocols (PRF vs. T-PRF), Group III (Comparative Studies to PRF): (4) OFD/PRP versus OFD/PRF, (5) OFD/bone graft(BG)/PRGF versus OFD/BG/PRF, (6) OFD/EMD versus OFD/PRF, (7) OFD/BG/EMD versus OFD/BG/PRF, (8) OFD/collagen membrane (CM) versus OFD/PRF, (9) OFD/BG/BM versus OFD/BG/PRF, (10) OFD/BG versus OFD/PRF, Group IV (Addition of PRF to treatment groups) (11) OFD/BG versus OFD/BG/PRF, (12) OFD/GTR versus OFD/GTR + PRF (13) OFD/EMD versus OFD/EMD/PRF (14) OFD/BG/BM versus OFD/BG/BM/PRF, Group V (Addition of Biomaterial/Biomolecule to PRF): OFD/PRF versus … (15) OFD/PRF/BG, (16) OFD/PRF/antibiotic, (17) OFD/PRF/Metformin, (18) OFD/PRF/Bisphosphonates, (19) OFD/PRF/Statins, (20) OFD/BG/PRF versus OFD/BG/PRF/Statins, and (21) OFD/PRF/low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Weighted means and forest plots were calculated for probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and radiographic bone fill (RBF). From 596 records identified, 55 RCTs were included. Group I: The use of OFD/PRF statistically significantly reduced PPD and improved CAL and RBF when compared to OFD. Group II: A significant difference between various PRF protocols was only observed for PPD. Group III: No significant advantage was found when comparing OFD/PRF to the following groups: OFD/PRP, OFD/EMD, OFD/BM, or OFD/BG. Group IV: The addition of PRF to OFD/BG led to significant improvements in PPD, CAL and RBF compared with OFD/BG alone. Group V: The addition of either a BG as well as three of the following biomolecules (metformin, bisphosphonates, and statins) to OFD/PRF led to statistically significant improvements in PPD, CAL, and/or RBF when compared to OFD/PRF alone. The use of PRF significantly improved clinical outcomes in intrabony defects when compared to OFD alone. Similar results were observed when OFD/PRF was compared with OFD/BG, OFD/EMD, OFD/PRP, and OFD/BM. The addition of PRF to a bone grafting material as well as the addition of various small biomolecules to PRF may offer additional clinical advantages, thus warranting further investigations. Future research investigating various protocols of PRF, longer-term outcomes, as well as PRF at the human histological level remains needed.

Regeneration of periodontal intrabony defects using platelet-rich fibrin (PRF): a systematic review and network meta-analysis

One of the most promising approaches to correct periodontal bone defects and achieve periodontal regeneration is platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the regeneration of periodontal bone defects using PRF compared to other regenerative treatments. The data search and retrieval process followed the PRISMA guidelines. An electronic search of MEDLINE, Cochrane, and PubMed databases was performed, selecting exclusively randomized clinical trials where the following were measured: probing depth reduction (PD), clinical attachment level gain (CAL), and radiographic bone fill (RBF). Out of 284 selected articles, 32 were chosen based on inclusion criteria. The use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) + open flap debridement (OFD), PRF + metformin, PRF + platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and PRF + OFD/bone graft (BG) significantly reduced PD and improved CAL and RBF. However, the combination of PRF + BG, PRF + metformin, and PRF + STATINS reduced CAL. The intervention of PRF combined with different treatments such as metformin, OFD, PRP, BG, and STATINS has a significant impact on improving PD and CAL. The use of PRF significantly improved the regeneration of periodontal bone defects compared to other treatments.

Periodontal regeneration using platelet-rich fibrin. Furcation defects: A systematic review with meta-analysis

The objective of the study was to compare the treatment outcomes of periodontal furcation defects by using platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) with other commonly utilized modalities. The eligibility criteria comprised randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the clinical outcomes of PRF with those of other modalities for the treatment of furcation defects. Studies were classified into 11 categories in 3 different groups as follows: Group I (addition of PRF): (1) open flap debridement (OFD) alone versus OFD/PRF, (2) OFD/bone graft (OFD/BG) versus OFD/BG/PRF; Group II (comparative studies to PRF): (3) OFD/BG versus OFD/PRF, (4) OFD/collagen membrane versus OFD/PRF, (5) OFD/PRP versus OFD/PRF, (6) OFD/rhBMP2 versus OFD/PRF; and Group III (addition of biomaterial/biomolecule to PRF): OFD/PRF versus … (7) OFD/PRF/BG, (8) OFD/PRF/amniotic membrane (AM), (9) OFD/PRF/metformin, (10) OFD/PRF/bisphosphonates, (11) OFD/PRF/statins. Weighted means and forest plots were calculated for the reduction of probing pocket depth (PPD), gain of vertical and horizontal clinical attachment levels (VCAL and HCAL), gain in vertical and horizontal bone levels (VBL, HBL), and radiographic bone fill (RBF). From 45 articles identified, 21 RCTs reporting on class II furcations were included. The use of OFD/PRF and OFD/BG/PRF statistically significantly reduced PPD and improved VCAL and HCAL when compared to OFD or OFD/BG, respectively. The comparison between OFD/PRF alone versus OFD/BG, OFD/CM, OFD/PRP, or OFD/rhBMP2 led to similar outcomes for all investigated parameters, including a reduction in PPD, VCAL/HCAL gain, and RBF. The additional incorporation of a BG to OFD/PRF only mildly improved outcomes, whereas the addition of AM improved clinical outcomes. The addition of small biomolecules such as metformin, bisphosphonates, or statins all led to significant improvements in PPD, VCAL, and HCAL when compared to OFD/PRF alone. Noteworthy, a very high heterogeneity was found in the investigated studies. The use of PRF significantly improved clinical outcomes in class II furcation defects when compared to OFD alone, with similar levels being observed between OFD/PRF and/or OFD/BG, OFD/CM, OFD/PRP, or OFD/rhBMP2. Future research geared toward better understanding potential ways to enhance the regenerative properties of PRF with various small biomolecules may prove valuable for future clinical applications. Future histological research investigating PRF in human furcation defects is largely needed. The use of PRF in conjunction with OFD statistically significantly improved PPD, VCAL, and HCAL values, yielding comparable outcomes to commonly used biomaterials. The combination of PRF to bone grafts or the addition of small biomolecules may offer additional clinical benefits, thus warranting future investigation.

Clinical and radiographic evaluation of the use of PRF, CGF, and autogenous bone in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects: Treatment of periodontal defect by using autologous products

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this randomized clinical study was to clinically evaluate and compare the efficiencies of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), concentrated growth factor (CGF) and autogenous bone graft (ABG) in the treatment of intrabony pockets and to assess the alveolar bone gain (AB gain) radiographically (panoramic and CBCT images).

METHODS

Eighty intrabony pockets were divided into four groups: ojnly open flap debridement (OFD), OFD+PRF, OFD+CGF and OFD+ABG; each group consisted of 20 defects. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and tooth mobility (TM) by using Periotest M device were evaluated. Radiographic images were also taken to evaluate the AB gain. PRF was produced using a protocol of 2,700 RPM for 12 min and the relative centrifugal force (RCF) was evaluated. CGF was prepared as follows: 2 min 2700 rpm, 4 min 2400 rpm, 4 min 2700 rpm, 3 min 3000 rpm.

RESULTS

The study results revealed a similar improvement in PI and GI values in all groups (p > 0.05). There was a statistically significant decrease in PD and CAL in favor of ABG group at day 180 in comparison with other groups (p = 0.001). There was also a statistically significant decrease in TM and alveolar bone height loss (ABHL), whereby the AB gain gradually increased among the groups with the best group being ABG, followed by CGF, PRF, and control groups, respectively (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The study results support the treatment of periodontal intrabony pockets using OFD in combination with ABG, CGF, and PRF, as ABG showed the best results followed by CGF and PRF.

The Use of Statins as an Adjunctive Periodontal Disease Treatment: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

the purpose of this systematic review was to assess the clinical and radiographic effect of subgingival-administered statins as an adjunct periodontal treatment in patients with periodontitis.

METHODS

Electronic literature searches in Medline/PubMed and the Cochrane Library were conducted to identify all relevant articles. Eligibility was based on inclusion criteria which included Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) published after 2010, where the periodontal variables were assessed before and after periodontal treatment in combination with a statin administration. The risk of bias was assessed with the ROBINS-2 tool. The outcome variables were probing depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, and bone fill in systematically healthy patients, patients with type 2 diabetes, and smokers.

RESULTS

Out of 119 potentially eligible articles, 18 randomized controlled trials were included with a total of 1171 participants. The data retrieved from the meta-analysis showed the positive effect that statins have as an adjunctive periodontal disease treatment. When comparing the different types of statins, the PD reduction in the Simvastatin group was significantly higher than the Atorvastatin group at 6 months and at 9 months, while no differences between statins were found for the rest of the outcomes. Over 66% of the articles presented an overall risk of bias with some concerns, making this a limitation of this present RCT.

CONCLUSIONS

The adjunct administration of statins has proven to have a positive effect on the periodontium by improving both clinical and radiographic parameters by a considerable margin.

From Basic Science to Clinical Practice: A Review of Current Periodontal/Mucogingival Regenerative Biomaterials

Periodontitis is a dysbiosis-driven inflammatory disease affecting the tooth-supporting tissues, characterized by their progressive resorption, which can ultimately lead to tooth loss. A step-wise therapeutic approach is employed for periodontitis. After an initial behavioral and non-surgical phase, intra-bony or furcation defects may be amenable to regenerative procedures. This review discusses the regenerative technologies employed for periodontal regeneration, highlighting the current limitations and future research areas. The search, performed on the MEDLINE database, has identified the available biomaterials, including biologicals (autologous platelet concentrates, hydrogels), bone grafts (pure or putty), and membranes. Biologicals and bone grafts have been critically analyzed in terms of composition, mechanism of action, and clinical applications. Although a certain degree of periodontal regeneration is predictable in intra-bony and class II furcation defects, complete defect closure is hardly achieved. Moreover, treating class III furcation defects remains challenging. The key properties required for functional regeneration are discussed, and none of the commercially available biomaterials possess all the ideal characteristics. Therefore, research is needed to promote the advancement of more effective and targeted regenerative therapies for periodontitis. Lastly, improving the design and reporting of clinical studies is suggested by strictly adhering to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) 2010 statement.

The impact of local and systemic penicillin on antimicrobial properties and growth factor release in platelet-rich fibrin: In vitro study

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the impact of local and systemic administration of penicillin on the antimicrobial properties and growth factors of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) under in vitro conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study involved 12 volunteers. Four tubes of venous blood were collected before systemic antibiotic administration. Two tubes were centrifuged at 2700 RPM for 12 min to obtain PRF, while 0.2 ml of penicillin was locally added into other two tubes. After systemic administration, blood samples were again collected and subjected to centrifugation. The release of growth factors (IGF-1, PDGF, FGF-2, and TGFβ-1) was determined using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), and an antibiotic sensitivity test was performed for S. aureus and E. coli bacteria.

RESULTS

Results showed that local antibiotic addition before PRF centrifugation had a significant antimicrobial effect without affecting growth factor releases. There was no statistically significant difference in antimicrobial properties between PRF prepared with systemic antibiotic administration and PRF prepared without antibiotics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study suggests that incorporating localized antibiotics into PRF results in strong antimicrobial effects without compromise of growth factor release. However, the combination of PRF with systemic antibiotics did not significantly enhance its antimicrobial properties compared to PRF prepared without antibiotics.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Local addition of penicillin into PRF provides strong antimicrobial properties which may help reduce dependence on systemic antibiotic regimens, mitigating antibiotic resistance and minimizing associated side effects.

Comparing efficacies of autologous platelet concentrate preparations as mono-therapeutic agents in intra-bony defects through systematic review and meta-analysis

Aim

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess individually the regenerative potential of PRF (Platelet-rich Fibrin), PRP (Platelet-rich Plasma), and PRGF (Plasma Rich in Growth Factors) in comparison to OFD (Open Flap Debridement) alone for treating Intrabony defects, by calculating pooled effect sizes.

Background

Relevant randomized controlled trials on humans were searched in PUBMED, COCHRANE CENTRAL, and GOOGLE SCHOLAR. Mean differences (MD) of Clinical Attachment level (CAL), Probing Pocket depth (PPD), and Defect Depth Reduction (DDR) between the Experimental and Control groups were used for calculating pooled effect sizes. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane's tool, and publication bias was evaluated through Funnel plots, Trim & Fill Method, and Rosenthal's Fail-Safe N Test.

Review result

A total of 23 studies were identified for qualitative and quantitative analysis. These studies were categorized into PRF, PRP, and PRGF groups based on the type of APC used. PRF showed the highest CAL gain (1.60 mm, 95% CI = 0.963-2.232 mm, P < 0.001, I2 = 93.83%) and PPD reduction (1.76 mm, 95% CI = 1.056 to 2.446, P < 0.001, I2 = 96.05%). However, PRP exhibited the greatest DDR (3.42 mm, 95% CI = -13.67 to -20.50, P = 0.011, I2 = 87.27%). PRF and PRP demonstrated large effect sizes, while PRGF showed a small effect size.

Conclusion

The use of PRF, PRP, and PRGF showed advantages in treating intrabony defects. However, caution is advised when interpreting the results due to heterogeneity and publication bias among the studies.

Do autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) have a role in intra-oral bone regeneration? A critical review of clinical guidelines on decision-making process

In the past decades, personalized regenerative medicine has gained increased attention. Autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) such as PRP, PRGF, and L-PRF, all serving as a source of a large variety of cells and growth factors that participate in hard and soft tissue healing and regeneration, could play a significant role in regenerative periodontal procedures. This narrative review evaluated the relative impact of APCs in alveolar ridge preservation, sinus floor augmentation, and the regeneration of bony craters around teeth, both as a single substitute or in combination with a xenograft. L-PRF has a significant beneficial effect on alveolar ridge preservation (bone quality). The data for PRGF are less convincing, and PRP is controversial. L-PRF can successfully be used as a single substitute during transcrestal (≥3.5 mm bone gain) as well as 1-stage lateral window sinus floor elevation (>5 mm bone gain). For PRGF and especially PRP the data are very scarce. In the treatment of bony craters around teeth, during open flap debridement, L-PRF as a single substitute showed significant adjunctive benefits (e.g., >PPD reduction, >CAL gain, >crater depth reduction). The data for PRP and PRGF were non-conclusive. Adding PRP or L-PRF to a xenograft during OFD resulted in additional improvements (>PPD reduction, >CAL gain, >bone fill), for PRGF no data were found. Autologous platelet concentrates demonstrated to enhance bone and soft tissue healing in periodontal regenerative procedures. The data for L-PRF were most convincing. L-PRF also has the advantage of a greater simplicity of production, and its 100% autologous character.

Clinical Efficacy of Platelet Derivatives in Periodontal Tissue Regeneration: An Umbrella Review

Objectives

This umbrella review aimed to consolidate the best available evidence regarding the clinical efficacy of platelet derivatives in the treatment of periodontal defects associated with periodontitis and in the management of mucogingival deformities.

Materials and Methods

The "umbrella review" strategy was used to identify systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The search was performed without language restrictions and updated at the end of February 2023. The PubMed and Scopus databases, together with gray literature, were included in the search.

Results

The search yielded 412 studies. Subsequently, 12 articles were selected for further examination based on relevance. Finally, eight systematic reviews and meta-analyses were assessed. Regarding intrabony defects, in terms of clinical attachment level (CAL) gain, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) was observed to lead to a statistically significant attachment gain compared to surgical therapy alone. PRF was also found to show greater CAL gain compared to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and other biomaterials. The parameter probing depth decreased significantly when PRF was used compared to surgical therapy alone (P < 0.05). Similar results were seen when leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) was applied. In terms of radiographic bone fill, both PRF and PRP showed significantly greater bone fill compared to surgical therapy. Regarding the results of periodontal plastic surgery, PRF favored a slight root coverage compared to the coronally displaced flap. This result depended on the number of PRF and L-PRF membranes used, but Emdogain or connective tissue graft produced better results regardless. However, an improvement in the healing of periodontal tissues was reported.

Conclusions

Therapies with platelet derivatives applied to intrabony defects provided superior regenerative results compared to monotherapies, except in the case of root coverage.

Effectiveness of the use of platelet-rich fibrin associated with open flap debridement compared to open flap debridement alone for the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects: Overview of systematic reviews

In the recent years, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has gained importance in regenerative medicine due to its attributed tissue-inducing properties. However, it is still unclear whether there are benefits from using PRF with open flap debridement (OFD) for the treatment of intrabony defects compared to OFD alone. For this reason, in this study, we performed an overview of systematic reviews with Friendly Summaries of the Body of Evidence using Epistemonikos methodology on the use of PRF with OFD compared to OFD alone for the treatment of intrabony defects. We performed a systematic search in the Epistemonikos database. We extracted data from the included systematic reviews and reanalyzed the data of primary studies and generated a summary of the findings table. We used Review Manager (RevMan) v5.3 software and GRADEpro software for data analysis and data presentation. Eighteen systematic reviews were included after full-text screening, which had 16 clinical trials. Results were reported by the mean difference (MD); the following outcomes were analyzed: change in intrabony defect depth (MD: 1.37 mm more), change in radiographic bone defect filling (MD: 37.26% more), change in probing depth (MD: 1.22 mm more), change in clinical attachment level (MD: 1.32 mm more), and change in gingival margin level (MD: 0.31 more). We concluded that applying PRF with OFD to treat an intrabony defect has some clinical advantages compared to OFD alone.

Network meta-analysis of platelet-rich fibrin in periodontal intrabony defects

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of platelet-rich fibrin alone or in combination with different biomaterials for the treatment of periodontal intra-bony defect.

METHODS

Up to April 2022, Cochrane library, Medline, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were searched for randomized clinical trials. The outcomes of interest were probing pocket depth reduction, clinical attachment level gain, bone gain, and bone defect depth reduction. Bayesian network meta-analysis with 95% credible intervals was calculated.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight studies with 1157 participants were included. Platelet-rich fibrin alone or platelet-rich fibrin +biomaterials showed a statistically significant difference when compared with open flap debridement (p < 0.05, low to high certainty evidence). Neither biomaterials alone nor platelet-rich fibrin +biomaterials showed a statistically significant difference when compared to platelet-rich fibrin alone (p > 0.05, very low to high certainty evidence). Platelet-rich fibrin +biomaterials showed insignificant differences as compared to biomaterials alone (p > 0.05, very low to high certainty evidence). Allograft +collagen membrane ranked the best in probing pocket depth reduction while platelet-rich fibrin +hydroxyapatite ranked the best in bone gain.

CONCLUSION

It seems that (1) platelet-rich fibrin with/without biomaterials were more effective than open flap debridement. (2) Platelet-rich fibrin alone provides a comparable effect to biomaterials alone and platelet-rich fibrin +biomaterials. (3) Platelet-rich fibrin +biomaterials provide a comparable effect to biomaterials alone. Although allograft +collagen membrane and platelet-rich fibrin +hydroxyapatite ranked the best in terms of probing pocket depth reduction and bone gain respectively, the difference between different regenerative therapies remains insignificant, and therefore, further studies are still needed to confirm these results.

Efficacy of biologics for the treatment of periodontal infrabony defects: An American Academy of Periodontology best evidence systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

A large variety of biomaterials, biologics and membranes have been utilized in the past 40 years for the regenerative treatment of periodontal infrabony defects. Biologic agents have progressively gained popularity among clinicians and are routinely used for periodontal regeneration. In alignment with the goals of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) Best Evidence Consensus (BEC) on the use of biologic mediators in contemporary clinical practice, the aim of this sytematic review was to evaluate the effect of biologic agents, specifically autogenous blood-dervied products (ABPs), enamel matrix derivative (EMD) and recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB (rhPDGF-BB), on the regenerative outcomes of infrabony defects.

METHODS

A detailed systematic search was conducted to identify eligible randomized control trials (RCTs) reporting the outcomes of periodontal regenerative therapy using biologics for the treatment of infrabony defects. A frequentist mixed-modeling approach to network meta-analysis (NMA), characterized by the assessment of three individual components for the treatment of an infrabony defect (the bone graft material [BG], the biologic agent, the application of a barrier membrane) was performed to evaluate and compare the relative efficacy of the different components, on the outcomes of different therapeutic modalities of periodontal regeneration.

RESULTS

A total of 153 eligible RCTs were included, with 150 studies contributing to the NMA. The quantitative analysis showed that the addition of biologic agents to bone graft significantly improves the clinical and radiographic outcomes, as compared to BG and flap procedures alone. Barrier membranes enhanced the regenerative outcomes of BG but did not provide further benefits in combination with biologics. The type of BG (autogenous, allogeneic, xenogeneic or alloplastic) and the biologic agent (EMD, platelet-rich fibrin [PRF], platelet-rich plasma [PRP] or rhPDGF-BB) played a significant role on the final outcomes of infrabony defects. Allogeneic and xenogeneic BGs exhibited statistically significantly superior clinical gain than synthetic and autogenous BGs (p < 0.05 in all the comparisons), while rhPDGF-BB and PRF demonstrated significantly higher stability of the gingival margin (p < 0.01) and radiographic bone fill/gain (p < 0.05), together with greater, although not statistically significant, clinical attachment level gain and pocket depth reduction, than EMD and PRP. Overall, rhPDGF-BB exhibited the largest effect size for most parameters, including clinical attachment level gain, pocket depth reduction, less gingival recession and radiographic linear bone gain. Considering the relatively high number of trials presenting an unclear or high risk of bias, the strength of recommendation supporting the use of PRP was judged weak, while the recommendation for EMD, PRF and rhPDGF-BB was deemed in favor.

CONCLUSIONS

Biologics enhance the outcomes of periodontal regenerative therapy. Combination therapies involving BGs + biologics or BGs + barrier membrane demonstrated to be superior to monotherapies. The choice of the type of BG and biologic agent seems to have significant impact on the clinical and radiographic outcomes of infrabony defects.

Clinical and radiographic evaluation of low-speed platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) for the treatment of intra-osseous defects of stage-III periodontitis patients: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Aim

The current randomized controlled trial assessed for the first time the effect of a low-speed platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) with open flap debridement (OFD) versus OFD alone in the treatment of periodontal intra-osseous defects of stage-III periodontitis patients.

Methods

Twenty-two periodontitis patients with ≥ 6 mm probing depth (PD) and ≥ 3 mm intra-osseous defects were randomized into test (PRF + OFD; n = 11) and control (OFD; n = 11) groups. Clinical attachment level (CAL)–gain (primary outcome), PD-reduction, gingival recession depth (GRD), full-mouth bleeding scores (FMBS), full-mouth plaque scores (FMPS), radiographic linear defect depth (RLDD), and radiographic bone fill (secondary-outcomes) were examined over 9 months post-surgically.

Results

Low-speed PRF + OFD and OFD demonstrated significant intra-group CAL-gain and PD- and RLDD-reduction at 3, 6, and 9 months (p < 0.01). Low-speed PRF + OFD exhibited a significant CAL-gain of 3.36 ± 1.12 mm at 6 months (2.36 ± 0.81 mm for the control group; p < 0.05), and a significantly greater PD-reduction of 3.36 ± 1.12 mm at 3 months, of 3.64 ± 1.12 mm at 6 months and of 3.73 ± 1.19 mm at 9 months (2.00 ± 0.89 mm, 2.09 ± 1.04 mm, and 2.18 ± 1.17 mm in the control group respectively; p < 0.05). No significant differences were notable regarding GRD, FMPS, FMBS, RLDD, or bone fill between both groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Within the current clinical trial’s limitations, the use of low-speed PRF in conjunction with OFD improved CAL and PD post-surgically, and could provide a cost-effective modality to augment surgical periodontal therapy of intra-osseous defects of stage-III periodontitis patients.

Clinical relevance

Low-speed PRF could provide a cost-effective modality to improve clinical attachment gain and periodontal probing depth reduction with open flap debridement approaches.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00784-022-04627-2.

The Adjunctive Use of Leucocyte- and Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Periodontal Endosseous and Furcation Defects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The aim of this systematic review of randomized controlled trials was to evaluate the adjunctive use of leucocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) in periodontal endosseous and furcation defects, as compared without L-PRF. The endosseous defect group was subclassified into: L-PRF/open flap debridement (L-PRF/OFD) versus OFD, L-PRF/osseous graft (L-PRF/OG) versus OG, L-PRF/Emdogain (L-PRF/EMD) versus EMD, and L-PRF/guided tissue regeneration (L-PRF/GTR) versus GTR. The furcation defect group was subclassified into L-PRF/OFD versus OFD, and L-PRF/OG versus OG. Mean difference, 95% confidence intervals and forest plots were calculated for probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and radiographic defect depth (DD). Nineteen studies concerning systemically healthy non-smokers were included. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis showed in two- and/or three-wall endosseous defects that the adjunctive use of L-PRF to OFD or OG was significantly beneficial for PPD reduction, CAL gain and DD reduction, as compared without L-PRF. Furthermore, the data showed that for two- and/or three-wall endosseous defects, the adjunctive use of L-PRF to GTR was significantly beneficial for CAL and DD improvement, whereas adding L-PRF to EMD had no significant effect, and that for class II furcation defects, the addition of L-PRF to OFD was significantly beneficial for PPD, CAL and DD improvement, whereas the addition of L-PRF to OG was significantly clinically beneficial. In conclusion, this systematic review and meta-analysis found that there was significant clinical and radiographic additive effectiveness of L-PRF to OFD and to OG in two- and/or three-wall periodontal endosseous defects of systemically healthy non-smokers, as compared without L-PRF.

Impact of local and systemic antimicrobials on leukocyte- and platelet rich fibrin: an in vitro study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of local and systemic administration of antimicrobials to leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF). For part A, 16 tubes of venous blood were collected from each of eight systemically healthy subjects. Prior to blood centrifugation, 12 of the 16 tubes were injected with 0.125 ml, 0.25 ml or 0.50 ml metronidazole solution. One set of L-PRF membranes was used to assess the release of vascular endothelial growth factor AB, platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor beta 1, and bone morphogenetic protein 2 at indicated time points. The metronidazole release over time by L-PRF membranes was also evaluated. The remaining L-PRF membranes were placed on the surface of agar plates inoculated with three different periodontal pathogens to determine their antibacterial activity. For part B, another six subjects were enrolled with three subjects taking 2 g amoxicillin and three subjects 500 mg metronidazole as prophylaxis prior to a periodontal treatment. Before and 2 h after consuming one of the prescribed antimicrobials, three tubes of blood were collected for preparing L-PRF membranes. These membranes were used to measure the antibacterial activity against periodontal pathogens. No statistically significant difference could be found in the release of growth factors between L-PRF membranes with and without incorporation of metronidazole solution. The release of metronidazole could be detected up to day 3, however with the highest concentration during the first 4 h. This concentration was dose dependent. The antibacterial capacity of L-PRF membranes increased significantly for both the systemic intake, and after the addition of metronidazole solution to the blood tubes before centrifugation, the latter again dose dependent. The antibacterial capacity of L-PRF against the periodontal pathogens tested can significantly be enhanced by the addition of antimicrobials, without disadvantage for the release of growth factors.

From Blood to Regenerative Tissue: How Autologous Platelet-Rich Fibrin Can Be Combined with Other Materials to Ensure Controlled Drug and Growth Factor Release

The purpose of this review is to examine the latest literature on the use of autologous platelet-rich fibrin as a drug and growth factor carrier system in maxillofacial surgery. Autologous platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a unique system that combines properties such as biocompatibility and biodegradability, in addition to containing growth factors and peptides that provide tissue regeneration. This opens up new horizons for the use of all beneficial ingredients in the blood sample for biomedical purposes. By itself, PRF has an unstable effect on osteogenesis: therefore, advanced approaches, including the combination of PRF with materials or drugs, are of great interest in clinics. The main advantage of drug delivery systems is that by controlling drug release, high drug concentrations locally and fewer side effects within other tissue can be achieved. This is especially important in tissues with limited blood supply, such as bone tissue compared to soft tissue. The ability of PRF to degrade naturally is considered an advantage for its use as a "warehouse" of controlled drug release systems. We are focusing on this concentrate, as it is easy to use in manipulations and can be delivered directly to the surgical site. The target audience for this review are researchers and medical doctors who are involved in the development and research of PRFs further studies. Likewise, surgeons who use PRF in their work to treat patients and who advice patients to take the medicine orally.

Clinical and radiographic effects of ascorbic acid-augmented platelet-rich fibrin versus platelet-rich fibrin alone in intra-osseous defects of stage-III periodontitis patients: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Aim

To assess platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) with ascorbic acid (AA) versus PRF in intra-osseous defects of stage-III periodontitis patients.

Methodology

Twenty stage-III/grade C periodontitis patients, with ≥ 3 mm intra-osseous defects, were randomized into test (open flap debridement (OFD)+AA/PRF; n = 10) and control (OFD+PRF; n = 10). Clinical attachment level (CAL; primary outcome), probing pocket depth (PPD), gingival recession depth (RD), full-mouth bleeding scores (FMBS), full-mouth plaque scores (FMPS), radiographic linear defect depth (RLDD) and radiographic defect bone density (RDBD) (secondary-outcomes) were examined at baseline, 3 and 6 months post-surgically.

Results

OFD+AA/PRF and OFD+PRF demonstrated significant intragroup CAL gain and PPD reduction at 3 and 6 months (p < 0.001). OFD+AA/PRF and OFD+PRF showed no differences regarding FMBS or FMPS (p > 0.05). OFD+AA/PRF demonstrated significant RD reduction of 0.90 ± 0.50 mm and 0.80 ± 0.71 mm at 3 and 6 months, while OFD+PRF showed RD reduction of 0.10 ± 0.77 mm at 3 months, with an RD-increase of 0.20 ± 0.82 mm at 6 months (p < 0.05). OFD+AA/PRF and OFD+PRF demonstrated significant RLDD reduction (2.29 ± 0.61 mm and 1.63 ± 0.46 mm; p < 0.05) and RDBD-increase (14.61 ± 5.39% and 12.58 ± 5.03%; p > 0.05). Stepwise linear regression analysis showed that baseline RLDD and FMBS at 6 months were significant predictors of CAL reduction (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

OFD+PRF with/without AA significantly improved periodontal parameters 6 months post-surgically. Augmenting PRF with AA additionally enhanced gingival tissue gain and radiographic defect fill.

Clinical relevance

PRF, with or without AA, could significantly improve periodontal parameters. Supplementing PRF with AA could additionally augment radiographic linear defect fill and reduce gingival recession depth.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00784-021-03929-1.

Use of platelet-rich fibrin for the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives

This study aims to compare the treatment outcomes of periodontal intrabony defects by using platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) with other commonly utilized modalities.

Materials and methods

The eligibility criteria comprised randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the clinical outcomes of PRF with that of other modalities. Studies were classified into 10 categories as follows: (1) open flap debridement (OFD) alone versus OFD/PRF; (2) OFD/bone graft (OFD/BG) versus OFD/PRF; (3) OFD/BG versus OFD/BG/PRF; (4–6) OFD/barrier membrane (BM), OFD/PRP, or OFD/enamel matrix derivative (EMD) versus OFD/PRF; (7) OFD/EMD versus OFD/EMD/PRF; (8–10) OFD/PRF versus OFD/PRF/metformin, OFD/PRF/bisphosphonates, or OFD/PRF/statins. Weighted means and forest plots were calculated for probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and radiographic bone fill (RBF).

Results

From 551 articles identified, 27 RCTs were included. The use of OFD/PRF statistically significantly reduced PD and improved CAL and RBF when compared to OFD. No clinically significant differences were reported when OFD/BG was compared to OFD/PRF. The addition of PRF to OFD/BG led to significant improvements in CAL and RBF. No differences were reported between any of the following groups (OFD/BM, OFD/PRP, and OFD/EMD) when compared to OFD/PRF. No improvements were also reported when PRF was added to OFD/EMD. The addition of all three of the following biomolecules (metformin, bisphosphonates, and statins) to OFD/PRF led to statistically significant improvements of PD, CAL, and RBF.

Conclusions

The use of PRF significantly improved clinical outcomes in intrabony defects when compared to OFD alone with similar levels being observed between OFD/BG and OFD/PRF. Future research geared toward better understanding potential ways to enhance the regenerative properties of PRF with various small biomolecules may prove valuable for future clinical applications. Future research investigating PRF at histological level is also needed.

Clinical relevance

The use of PRF in conjunction with OFD statistically significantly improved PD, CAL, and RBF values, yielding to comparable outcomes to OFD/BG. The combination of PRF with bone grafts or small biomolecules may offer certain clinical advantages, thus warranting further investigations.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00784-021-03825-8.

Immediate implant placement in combination with platelet rich-fibrin into extraction sites with periapical infection in the esthetic zone: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

In this case, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) was added to guided tissue regeneration as a biomaterial in proper order for immediate planting in aesthetic area with periapical infection.

CASE SUMMARY

With the history of endodontic failure in maxillary central incisor, a 34-year-old female patient required the extraction of maxillary anterior residual root and immediate implantation. Cone beam computed tomography and clinical observation were used to assess the regeneration of soft and bone tissue. Before operation, cone beam computed tomography showed the anterior residual root had serious periapical periodontitis with insufficient labial bone in the aesthetic zone. The patient underwent immediate implant placement and reconstruction of the bone substitution by modified guided bone regeneration. The barrier was a three-layer structure of PRF-collagen membrane-PRF that covered the mixture of PRF and Bio-Oss to promote both osteogenesis and soft tissue healing. At 6 mo postoperatively, the definitive crown was placed after accomplished finial impression. One-year follow-up showed a satisfactory aesthetic effect with no obvious absorption of the labial bone and soft tissue.

CONCLUSION

The use of PRF in combination with guided bone regeneration can serve as a reliable and simple adjuvant for immediate implanting in infected socket and result in a stable osteogenic effect with good aesthetic outcome.

Use of Platelet-Rich Fibrin in the Treatment of Periodontal Intrabony Defects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a kind of autologous platelet concentrate which is easy to obtain and cheap. In recent years, it has been studied to improve the effect of periodontal regeneration. However, few studies have systematically evaluated the complementary effect of PRF in the treatment of intrabony defects. The present review is aimed at systematically assessing the effects of PRF on clinical and radiological outcomes of the surgical treatment of periodontal intrabony defects.

Methods

The protocol was registered at PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) as CRD42020206056. An electronic search was conducted in MEDLINE, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases. Only randomized clinical trials were selected. Systematically healthy patients with two or three walls of intrabony defects were considered. Intrabony defect (IBD) depth reduction and bone fill (BF) % were set as primary outcomes while probing depth (PD) reduction, clinical attachment level (CAL) gain, and gingival margin level (GML) gain were considered as the secondary outcome. When possible, a meta-analysis was performed.

Results

Eighteen articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria, and seventeen studies were quantitatively analyzed. Of 17 studies, four were rated as high risk of bias and thirteen as the moderate risk of bias. Two comparisons were set: (1) open flap debridement (OFD) combined with PRF and OFD alone and (2) bone grafting (BG) combined with PRF and BG alone. Compared to OFD alone, OFD+PRF showed significantly greater in all primary and secondary outcomes. Compared to BG alone, BG+PRF showed significantly greater in IBD depth reduction, PD reduction, CAL gain, and GML gain.

Conclusions

The use of PRF was significantly effective in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects. The benefit of OFD+PRF may be greater than BG+PRF. PRF can promote early wound healing in periodontal surgery. As all included studies were not at low risk of bias, well-designed RCTs having a high methodological quality are needed to clarify the additional effectiveness of PRF in the treatment of intrabony defects in the future.

Association Between Periodontal Disease and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases: Revisited

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD) is an inflammatory disease of the coronary arteries associated with atheroma formation, which can cause disability and often death. Periodontitis is ranked as the sixth most prevalent disease affecting humans affecting 740 million people worldwide. In the last few decades, researchers have focused on the effect of periodontal disease (PD) on cardiovascular disease. The aim of this review was to investigate the association between these two diseases. PD is a potential risk factor that may initiate the development, maturation, and instability of atheroma in the arteries. Two mechanisms were proposed to explain such association, either periodontal pathogens directly invade bloodstream or indirectly by increasing systemic level of inflammatory mediators. Interestingly, it has been suggested that improvement in the condition of one disease positively impact the condition of the other one. Highlighting the association between these two diseases, the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of PD and its impact on cardiovascular status may be of great value in reducing the complications associated with ACVDs. Further in vitro and in vivo studies with longer follow up are necessary to confirm the causal relationship between PD and ACVDs.

The clinical implications of platelet-rich fibrin on periodontal regeneration: A systematic review

Objectives

Platelet concentrates have been shown to enhance periodontal regeneration when used as a treatment on their own or in conjunction with bone grafting materials. This systematic review aims to assess the effects of using platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), both alone and in combination with other conventionally used materials, on periodontal regeneration in clinical trials.

Materials and methods

A systematic electronic search was performed in the electronic databases MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science. Specifically, we searched for English language articles published between 2009 and 2019 that conducted in-human studies and included a summary of the results. Our primary search yielded 220 articles, and of these, 110 were clinical studies. Forty-four articles were then selected for a full reading.

Results

Twenty-six randomized control trials (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Despite the differences between the reviewed studies, most revealed the ability of PRF to promote periodontal wound healing. The positive effects of PRF were observed in clinical criteria, such as reductions in pocket probing depth (PD) and increases in clinical attachment level (CAL), as well as in the degree of defect bone fill, which was determined either radiographically or by surgical re-entry.

Conclusions

Additional studies are needed to compare the clinical outcomes of various PRF application procedures and establish standardized protocols for treating periodontal disease with PRF.

Platelet-Rich Fibrin as a Bone Graft Material in Oral and Maxillofacial Bone Regeneration: Classification and Summary for Better Application

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is an autologous platelet concentrate that consists of cytokines, platelets, leukocytes, and circulating stem cells. It has been considered to be effective in bone regeneration and is mainly used for oral and maxillofacial bone. Although currently the use of PRF is thought to support alveolar ridge preservation, there is a lack of evidence regarding the application of PRF in osteogenesis. In this paper, we will provide examples of PRF application, and we will also summarize different measures to improve the properties of PRF for achieving better osteogenesis. The effect of PRF as a bone graft material on osteogenesis based on laboratory investigations, animal tests, and clinical evaluations is first reviewed here. In vitro, PRF was able to stimulate cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, mineralization, and osteogenesis-related gene expression. Preclinical and clinical trials suggested that PRF alone may have a limited effect. To enlighten researchers, modified PRF graft materials are further reviewed, including PRF combined with other bone graft materials, PRF combined with drugs, and a new-type PRF. Finally, we will summarize the common shortcomings in the application of PRF that probably lead to application failure. Future scientists should avoid or solve these problems to achieve better regeneration.

Efficacy of locally-delivered statins adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy for chronic periodontitis: a Bayesian network analysis

BACKGROUND

Studies indicate locally-delivered statins offer additional benefits to scaling and root planning (SRP), however, it is still hard to say which type of statins is better. This network meta-analysis aimed to assess the effect of locally-delivered statins and rank the most efficacious statin for treating chronic periodontitis (CP) in combination with SRP.

METHODS

We screened four literature databases (Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) for randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) published up to June 2018 that compared different statins in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. The outcomes analyzed were changes in intrabony defect depth (IBD), pocket depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). We carried out Bayesian network meta-analysis of CP without systemic diseases. Traditional and Bayesian network meta-analyses were conducted using random-effects models.

RESULTS

Greater filling of IBD, reduction in PD, and gain in CAL were observed for SRP treated in combination with statins when compared to SRP alone for treating CP without systemic diseases. Specifically, SRP+ Atorvastatin (ATV) (mean difference [MD]: 1.5 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.8 mm, respectively), SRP + Rosuvastatin (RSV) (MD: 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm, respectively), and SRP + Simvastatin (SMV) (MD: 1.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.1 mm, respectively) were identified. However, no difference was found among the statins tested. In CP patients with type 2 diabetic (T2DM) or in smokers, additional benefits were observed from locally delivered statins.

CONCLUSION

Local statin use adjunctive to SRP confers additional benefits in treating CP by SRP, even in T2DM and smokers. RSV may be the best one to fill in IBD. However, considering the limitations of this study, clinicians must use cautious when applying the results and further studies are required to explore the efficacy of statins in CP with or without the risk factors (T2DM comorbidity or smoking history).

Actual quantitative attachment gain secondary to use of autologous platelet concentrates in the treatment of intrabony defects: A meta-analysis

Background

There are no authoritative meta-analyses and no clear quantitative assessments available estimating effects of open flap debridement (OFD) combined with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) over and above that of OFD. This study evaluated the actual quantitative mean gain for various clinical (clinical attachment level [CAL], probing pocket depth [PPD] and gingival marginal level [GML]) and radiographic (intrabony defect depth [IBD]) parameters of Platelet Concentrates- PCs (PRP/PRF) as sole grafting material along with OFD and OFD alone in the treatment of intrabony defects.

Materials and Methods

A detailed electronic search was carried out in PUBMED/MEDLINE, COCHRANE, EBSCOHOST, and Google Scholar databases by unifying related search terms with additional hand searches in select specialty journals up to May 2017. The eligibility criteria included human randomized clinical trials, either of a parallel group or a split-mouth design with follow-up period of at least 6 months. Periodontal intrabony defects with radiographic IBD ≥3 mm with corresponding CAL ≥5 mm were included. For the meta-analysis, the inverse variance method was used in fixed- or random-effect models.

Results

Actual quantitative mean gains were calculated for OFD with PRF/PRP (CAL = 1.1 mm, IBD = 1.68 mm, PPD = 0.97 mm and GML = 0.48 mm) over and above that of OFD alone.

Conclusion

Because of very high heterogeneity, the results may not be dependable. Apart from gains in radiographic bone fill, all other periodontal clinical parameters showed negligible gains. Using PRF technologies in periodontal intrabony defects may not be of great clinical significance over and above that of OFD alone, the effect sizes are also not large enough.

Tissue engineering in periodontology: Biological mediators for periodontal regeneration

Teeth and the periodontal tissues represent a highly specialized functional system. When periodontal disease occurs, the periodontal complex, composed by alveolar bone, root cementum, periodontal ligament, and gingiva, can be lost. Periodontal regenerative medicine aims at recovering damaged periodontal tissues and their functions by different means, including the interaction of bioactive molecules, cells, and scaffolds. The application of growth factors, in particular, into periodontal defects has shown encouraging effects, driving the wound healing toward the full, multi-tissue periodontal regeneration, in a precise temporal and spatial order. The aim of the present comprehensive review is to update the state of the art concerning tissue engineering in periodontology, focusing on biological mediators and gene therapy.

Additive effectiveness of autologous platelet-rich fibrin in the treatment of intrabony defects: A PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This meta-analysis was performed to determine the additive effectiveness of autologous platelet-rich fibrin in the treatment of intrabony defects in chronic periodontitis patients.

METHODS

Pertinent studies were identified by a search in Medline, EMBASE, the Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The trials searched were evaluated for eligibility. Cochrane Collaboration's Review Manager software was used to perform the meta-analyses.

RESULTS

Twelve eligible clinical trials were included. Pooled data found that adjunctive platelet-rich fibrin exactly yielded a significantly superior probing depth reduction compared with open flap debridement alone (weighted mean difference, 1.01; 95% confidence interval 0.95-1.08; P < .00001). The clinical attachment level (CAL) gain after treatment for 9 months was higher in patients treated with platelet-rich fibrin plus open flap debridement group than in open flap debridement-treated patients (weighted mean difference, 1.29; 95% confidence interval 0.96- 1.61; P < .00001). Similarly, the meta-analysis demonstrated that platelet-rich fibrin was superior to single open flap debridement with respect to gingival marginal level change (weighted mean difference, 0.45; 95% confidence interval 0.31-0.58; P < .00001). Regarding the hard tissue radiographic parameters, including defect depth reduction and percentage of fill defects in bone, adjunctive platelet-rich fibrin yielded significantly superior results compared with open flap debridement alone.

CONCLUSION

Adjunctive use of platelet-rich fibrin with open flap debridement significantly improves fill defects when compared to open flap debridement alone. However, additional powered studies with much larger sample sizes are needed to obtain a more concrete conclusion.

Contribution of Statins towards Periodontal Treatment: A Review

The pleiotropic effects of statins have been evaluated to assess their potential benefit in the treatment of various inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases including periodontitis. Herein, the adjunctive use of statins in periodontal therapy in vitro, in vivo, and in clinical trials was reviewed. Statins act through several pathways to modulate inflammation, immune response, bone metabolism, and bacterial clearance. They control periodontal inflammation through inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines and promotion of anti-inflammatory and/or proresolution molecule release, mainly, through the ERK, MAPK, PI3-Akt, and NF-κB pathways. Moreover, they are able to modulate the host response activated by bacterial challenge, to prevent inflammation-mediated bone resorption and to promote bone formation. Furthermore, they reduce bacterial growth, disrupt bacterial membrane stability, and increase bacterial clearance, thus averting the exacerbation of infection. Local statin delivery as adjunct to both nonsurgical and surgical periodontal therapies results in better periodontal treatment outcomes compared to systemic delivery. Moreover, combination of statin therapy with other regenerative agents improves periodontal healing response. Therefore, statins could be proposed as a potential adjuvant to periodontal therapy. However, optimization of the combination of their dose, type, and carrier could be instrumental in achieving the best treatment response.

Autologous platelet concentrates for treating periodontal infrabony defects

BACKGROUND

Periodontal disease is a condition affecting tooth-supporting tissues (gingiva, alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, and cementum), with the potential of introducing severe adverse effects on oral health. It has a complex pathogenesis which involves the combination of specific micro-organisms and a predisposing host response. Infrabony defects are one of the morphological types of alveolar bone defects that can be observed during periodontitis. Recent approaches for the treatment of infrabony defects, combine advanced surgical techniques with platelet-derived growth factors. These are naturally synthesized polypeptides, acting as mediators for various cellular activities during wound healing. It is believed that the adjunctive use of autologous platelet concentrates to periodontal surgical procedures produces a better and more predictable outcome for the treatment of infrabony defects.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of autologous platelet concentrates (APC) used as an adjunct to periodontal surgical therapies (open flap debridement (OFD), OFD combined with bone grafting (BG), guided tissue regeneration (GTR), OFD combined with enamel matrix derivative (EMD)) for the treatment of infrabony defects.

SEARCH METHODS

Cochrane Oral Health's Information Specialist searched the following databases: Cochrane Oral Health's Trials Register (to 27 February 2018); the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2018, Issue 1) in the Cochrane Library (searched 27 February 2018); MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to 27 February 2018); Embase Ovid (1980 to 27 February 2018); and LILACS BIREME Virtual Health Library (from 1982 to 27 February 2018). The US National Institutes of Health Ongoing Trials Register (ClinicalTrials.gov) and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched for ongoing trials on 27 February 2018. No restrictions were placed on the language or date of publication when searching the electronic databases.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of both parallel and split-mouth design, involving patients with infrabony defects requiring surgical treatment. Studies had to compare treatment outcomes of a specific surgical technique combined with APC, with the same technique when used alone.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently conducted data extraction and risk of bias assessment, and analysed data following Cochrane methods. The primary outcomes assessed were: change in probing pocket depth (PD), change in clinical attachment level (CAL), and change in radiographic bone defect filling (RBF). We organised all data in four groups, each comparing a specific surgical technique when applied with the adjunct of APC or alone: 1. APC + OFD versus OFD, 2. APC + OFD + BG versus OFD + BG, 3. APC + GTR versus GTR, and 4. APC + EMD versus EMD.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 38 RCTs. Twenty-two had a split-mouth design, and 16 had a parallel design. The overall evaluated data included 1402 defects. Two studies were at unclear overall risk of bias, while the remaining 36 studies had a high overall risk of bias.1. APC + OFD versus OFD alone Twelve studies were included in this comparison, with a total of 510 infrabony defects. There is evidence of an advantage in using APC globally from split-mouth and parallel studies for all three primary outcomes: PD (mean difference (MD) 1.29 mm, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00 to 1.58 mm; P < 0.001; 12 studies; 510 defects; very low-quality evidence); CAL (MD 1.47 mm, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.82 mm; P < 0.001; 12 studies; 510 defects; very low-quality evidence); and RBF (MD 34.26%, 95% CI 30.07% to 38.46%; P < 0.001; 9 studies; 401 defects; very low-quality evidence).2. APC + OFD + BG versus OFD + BG Seventeen studies were included in this comparison, with a total of 569 infrabony defects. Considering all follow-ups, as well as 3 to 6 months and 9 to 12 months, there is evidence of an advantage in using APC from both split-mouth and parallel studies for all three primary outcomes: PD (MD 0.54 mm, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.75 mm; P < 0.001; 17 studies; 569 defects; very low-quality evidence); CAL (MD 0.72 mm, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.00 mm; P < 0.001; 17 studies; 569 defects; very low-quality evidence); and RBF (MD 8.10%, 95% CI 5.26% to 10.94%; P < 0.001; 11 studies; 420 defects; very low-quality evidence).3. APC + GTR versus GTR alone Seven studies were included in this comparison, with a total of 248 infrabony defects. Considering all follow-ups, there is probably a benefit for APC for both PD (MD 0.92 mm, 95% CI -0.02 to 1.86 mm; P = 0.05; very low-quality evidence) and CAL (MD 0.42 mm, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.86 mm; P = 0.06; very low-quality evidence). However, given the wide confidence intervals, there might be a possibility of a slight benefit for the control. When considering a 3 to 6 months and a 9 to 12 months follow-up there were no benefits evidenced, except for CAL at 3 to 6 months (MD 0.54 mm, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.89 mm; P = 0.003; 3 studies; 134 defects). No RBF data were available.4. APC + EMD versus EMDTwo studies were included in this comparison, with a total of 75 infrabony defects. There is insufficient evidence of an overall advantage of using APC for all three primary outcomes: PD (MD 0.13 mm, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.30 mm; P = 0.16; 2 studies; 75 defects; very low-quality evidence), CAL (MD 0.10 mm, 95% CI -0.13 to 0.32 mm; P = 0.40; 2 studies; 75 defects; very low-quality evidence), and RBF (MD -0.60%, 95% CI -6.21% to 5.01%; P = 0.83; 1 study; 49 defects; very low-quality evidence).All studies in all groups reported a survival rate of 100% for the treated teeth. No complete pocket closure was reported. No quantitative analysis regarding patients' quality of life was possible.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is very low-quality evidence that the adjunct of APC to OFD or OFD + BG when treating infrabony defects may improve probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, and radiographic bone defect filling. For GTR or EMD, insufficient evidence of an advantage in using APC was observed.

The effect of local and systemic statin use as an adjunct to non-surgical and surgical periodontal therapy-A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of local and/or systemic statin use as an adjunct to non-surgical and/or surgical periodontal therapy.

DATA

Literature search according to PRISMA guidelines with the following eligibility criteria: (a) English or German language; (b) interventional studies; (c) statins as monotherapy or as an adjunct to non-surgical and/or surgical treatment of periodontitis; (d) clinical and/or radiographic treatment effect size of statin intake reported.

SOURCES

Medline (PubMed), Embase (Ovid), CENTRAL (Ovid).

STUDY SELECTION

Thirteen clinical studies regarding local application and 2 with systemic administration of statins as an adjunct to non-surgical treatment (SRP) and 4 studies regarding intrasurgical statin application with a maximum follow-up of 9 months could be included; simvastatin, atorvastatin, and rosuvastatin were used. Local but not systemic statin application as an adjunct to SRP yielded significantly larger probing pocket depth (PD), radiographic defect depth (RDD), and bleeding index reduction, and larger clinical attachment level gain, and less residual PD and RDD (p≤0.016); rosuvastatin appeared as the most efficacious. Three of 4 studies reported a significant positive effect of intrasurgical statin application. No adverse events were reported after statin use. The vast majority of the included studies were from the same research group.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant additional clinical and radiographic improvements are obtained after local, but not systemic, statin use as an adjunct to SRP in deep pockets associated with intrabony defects and seemingly with furcation defects; intrasurgical statin application seems similarly beneficial. Confirmation of these results, and especially of the effect size, from other research groups is warranted.

Decrease of Pericytes is Associated With Liver Disease Caused by Ligature-Induced Periodontitis in Rats

BACKGROUND

Damage caused by periodontitis not only affects periodontal tissues, but also increases the severity of various illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and liver diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between induced periodontitis and damage caused through its systemic effects on the liver.

METHODS

Twenty rats were divided into two groups: control and periodontitis. The following parameters were evaluated: gingival bleeding index (GBI), probing depth (PD), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, alveolar bone loss (ABL) for periodontal tissues; histopathologic examination of gingival and liver tissues; immunohistochemistry to cells positive for neural/glial antigen 2 (NG2) expressed in hepatic pericytes, glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in liver; and serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase.

RESULTS

GBI, PD, MPO, ABL, and histopathologic examinations demonstrated the development of periodontitis. There was a significant increase in microvesicular steatosis accompanied by a marked reduction in NG2+ pericytes in the periodontitis group compared with the control group. The periodontitis group had significantly lower GSH and higher MDA concentration in the liver compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study results link the systemic effects of induced periodontitis with changes in hepatic tissues such as microvesicular steatosis, likely caused by an increase in oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. The findings from the present study implicate an association between a decrease of pericytes and liver disease caused by ligature-induced periodontitis in rats.