Brain-derived neurotrophic factor promotes bone regeneration in a canine model of peri-implantitis

The present study aims to determine whether the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA) complex could regenerate bone around implants lost due to peri-implantitis.

Dogs had their three premolars extracted, and three implants were placed on each side. After osseointegration, 3-0 silk threads were ligated around the healing abutment for 12 weeks. Implants were classified into four groups—no treatment (control group), non-surgical debridement (debridement group), non-surgical debridement with application of HMW-HA (HMW-HA group), and non-surgical debridement with application of BDNF/HMW-HA complex (BDNF/HMW-HA group). Probing pocket depth (PPD), attachment level (AL), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded before and 12 weeks after each treatment. Standardized intraoral radiographs were obtained, and histological analysis was conducted.

The bone level on radiographs significantly improved (median −0.15 mm, IQR −0.31 to 0.10) only in the BDNF/HMW-HA group, while changes in PPD and AL were similar to those in other groups. The BOP positivity rate decreased in the debridement and BDNF/HMW-HA groups. Unlike images of the other groups, histological images of the BDNF/HMW-HA group showed no epithelial migration toward the tip of the implant. Inflammatory cell infiltration was reduced compared with that in the other groups. New bone was observed around the implants only in the BDNF/HMW-HA group.

The BDNF/HMW-HA complex appears to promote bone regeneration when combined with non-surgical debridement for peri-implantitis.