Amnion membrane properties and functions in dentistry

Abstract

Amniotic membrane is a membrane that originated from innermost layer of human fetal membrane. This membrane has useful properties as biomaterial in dentistry. Amnion membrane has growth factor that induce angiogenesis and epithelization in dentistry. Angiogenic factor as EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor), VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor), FGF (Fibroblast Growth Factor), HGF (Hepatocyte Growth Factor), IGF-1 (Insulin like Growth Factor-1), HB-EGF (Heparin Binding Epidermal Growth Factor) was found in this membrane. But, not all the part of this membrane have angiogenic factor. Amniotic epithelial cells inhibit angiogenesis but amniotic fibroblast layer can enhance angiogenesis. It happened because epithelial cells from amniotic membrane have anti-angiogenic mediators as Interleukin-1 antagonist receptor, TIMP3 (Tissue Inhibitor Metalloproteinase 3) and TIMP4. Because of this, dentist must be selective for choose this material for clinical used. This material also has antimicrobial properties for many pathogenic bacteria in oral cavity. Staphylococcus aureus is one of from many bacteria that can be inhibited by antimicrobial properties of amnion membrane. Streptococcus pyogenes that caused cellulitis also inhibited by this membrane. For controlling the inflammation, this membrane has immunomodulatory properties. Because of that, amnion membrane can be used in many field of dentistry such as oral and maxillofacial surgery for cleft palate and temporomandibular joint surgery also for vestibuloplasty and gingival recession treatment in periodontal field. Anti-inflammatory and anti-scarring properties from this membrane also make this membrane can be used for treatment of erythema multiforme major and cervical necrotizing fasciitis. Because of many utility, this membrane is a very important material in dentistry.