Alveolar socket preservation technique: Effect of biomaterial on bone regenerative pattern

Abstract Background There is a lack of evidence in the literature on the correlation between histomorphometric findings and gene/protein expression markers for bone metabolism. Aim Evaluation of the histological features, changes in protein expression and gene activation for specific markers of bone metabolism following application of the alveolar ridge preservation technique with magnesium-enriched hydroxyapatite (MgHA). Materials and methods For each patient ( n  = 15), bone samples were harvested after tooth extraction and processed for immunohistochemical and gene expression analysis (T0). Then, all alveolar sockets were grafted with MgHA. After 4 months (T1), bone samples were harvested for histomorphometrical, immunohistochemical and gene expression analysis. Gene expression and protein expression were evaluated for: RANK, RANKL, OPG, IL-6, TNF-α. Results For all markers, gene expression increased, but not significantly, from T0 to T1. The mean RANKL/OPG ratio was 1.88 ± 1.24. Protein expression increased significantly ( p Conclusions After ridge preservation with MgHA, markers for bone catabolism were activated. No significant correlation was found between histomorphometrical features of the regenerated tissue and protein expression at baseline.