Virgin Coconut Oil (Vco) As a Biomaterial in Regenerative Periodontal Therapy: Effects on Fgf-2 Expression

Abstract

Background: Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO), derived from coconuts, is rich in beneficial properties, particularly in the treatment of periodontitis through its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Periodontitis is a destructive inflammatory disease affecting the supporting tissues of teeth, caused by specific microorganisms leading to destructive damage. In this context, Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 (FGF-2) is known to play a role in fibroblast migration coronally and enhance the proliferation of alveolar bone cells.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of VCO gel on periodontitis-affected tissues by examining FGF-2 expression.

Methods: A post-test-only control group design was used for the laboratory experiment. VCO was obtained through coconut processing to produce oil and was further refined into a gel consistency expected to be beneficial in periodontitis management. The study samples were 24 male Wistar rats induced with period onto pathogenic bacteria P. gingivalis in gingival soft tissue. The sample was divided into 3 treatment groups, and observations were made on days 7 and 21. Immunohistochemical examinations were conducted on rat tissues, alongside radiographic assessments to compare bone mass density on days 7 and 21.

Results: The results showed that FGF-2 expression increased in all treatment groups, with the most significant rise observed in the group receiving the combination of SRP + VCO therapy on days 7 and 21.

Conclusions: VCO gel affected FGF-2 expression, showing its significant role in the inflammatory and proliferative stages of periodontitis healing.