Proline-Rich Peptide Mimics Effects of Enamel Matrix Derivative on Rat Oral Mucosa Incisional Wound Healing

Background: Proline-rich peptides have been shown to promote periodontal regeneration. However, their effect on soft tissue wound healing has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of enamel matrix derivative (EMD), tyrosine-rich amelogenin peptide (TRAP), and a synthetic proline-rich peptide (P2) on acute wound healing after a full-thickness flap procedure in an incisional rat model. Methods: This experimental study has a split-mouth, randomized, placebo-controlled design. Test and control wounds were created on the palatal mucosa of 54 Sprague-Dawley rats. Wounds were histologically processed, and reepithelialization, leukocyte infiltration, and angiogenesis were assessed at days 1, 3, and 7 post-surgery. Results: EMD and P2 significantly promoted early wound closure at day 1 (P <0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively). EMD maintained a significant acceleration of reepithelialization at day 3 (P = 0.004). Wounds treated by EMD and P2 showed increased angiogenesis during the first 3 days of healing (P = 0.03 and 0.001, respectively). Leukocyte infiltration was decreased in EMD-treated wounds at day 1 (P = 0.03), and P2 and TRAP induced a similar effect at days 3 (P = 0.002 and P <0.0001, respectively) and 7 (P = 0.005 and P <0.001). Conclusion: EMD and P2 promoted reepithelialization and neovascularization in full-thickness surgical wounds on rat oral mucosa.