Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the osteorigenerative properties of AFSc associated with hydroxyapatite, and compare their behaviour with the use of biomaterial in sinus grafts on ovine model.

Methods: Two SL were carried out with hydroxyapatite and AFSc in the test side, while in the control side only hydroxyapatite was inserted. Histologic, ultrasound, radiographic and fluorescence microscopy analysis were performed. The first animals were sacrificed at 45 days, the second one at 90 and the last at 180.

Results: Radiological investigation showed an increased radiopacity in the side test. The histological analysis in the test side an abundant deposition of extracellular matrix. Surgical access in the control sites appeared after 45 days still open with low deposition of extracellular matrix infiltrated by fibroblasts, inflammatory cells and hyperplasia of the Schneiderian membrane. Although differences between the test side and control side tends to decrease over time, after 90 and especially 180 days. In control sites was possible to observe the persistence of phenomena of active bone remodeling. In the test sites there is the typical form of physiological turnover, with the presence of trabecular bone that completely replaced the primary bone.

Conclusions: The biomaterial alone as well as biomaterial and AFSc together showed good ability to induce bone regeneration in vivo. These data allow us to hypothesize that the AFSc, at long-term, maintain their regenerative proprieties playing a role in the process of bone formation. These results confirm the importance of the osteogenic properties of AFSc.

Conflict of interest: None declared.