Angiogenic Marker Alterations Following Enamel Matrix Derivative Treatment: A Human Study

Aim: The aim of this immunohistochemical study was to assess the expression of angiogenic markers (vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and microvessel density (MVD) in enamel matrix derivative (EMD) treated retromolar soft tissues to gain further insights into the biological mechanisms involved in wound healing and EMD treatment. Methodology: In twenty healthy volunteers, gingival biopsies were obtained from the distal wedge operations of test (EMD-applied) and control sites. EMD was applied into the test sites during the operation. At the 15th post-operative day, the sample sites were re-entered and gingival tissue samples were obtained from both test and control sites. A total of 80 samples for each sites were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for inflammatory infiltrate, expression of VEGF and MVD. Results: Despite similar post-operative inflammatory infiltrate, it was found that EMD- applied sites had statistically higher VEGF-A and VEGF-C expression and MVD compared to the controls on the 15th day. (p <0.0001 for each) Conclusions: This study supports that EMD has an angiogenic potential. The findings of this immunohistochemical analysis may help to gain insight into the angiogenic effects of EMD during the early phases of wound healing.  How to cite this article: Ozcelik O, Seydaoglu G, Comert M, Yilmaz E, Haytac MC. Angiogenic Marker Alterations Following Enamel Matrix Derivative Treatment: A Human Study. Int Dent Res 2012;2:8-16. Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.