In vivo comparison of resorption time and biocompatibility of the human amniotic membrane and collagen membrane in rat tibia models

Background HAM (human amniotic membrane) is a source of stem cells and growth factors, inducing epithelialization and wound healing. Recent publications are investigating its use as a barrier membrane. The study aimed to compare the resorption time and biocompatibility of collagen membranes (CM) and HAM in guided bone regeneration. This is the first study compare the HAM and collagen membrane (CM). Methods Bone defects with a diameter of 3 mm were created in the right and left tibias of 40 rats. Defects in the right tibias were covered with HAM or CM in the test groups, wheres defects in the left tibias were untreated as control groups. The general and specific tissue reaction parameters and membrane thickness were measured histologically at week 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12. Normal distribution compliance was assessed with the Shapiro-Wilk Test. Fisher’s Exact and Pearson Chi-Square Tests were used for categorical data comparison. Independent Samples t Test and Mann-Whitney U Test were applied for comparing normally and non-normally distributed continuous variables, respectively. One-way ANOVA was used for comparing normally distributed parameters across three or more groups, while the Kruskal-Wallis Test and Dunn’s Test were used for non-normally distributed parameters. A P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The structures of the CM and HAM were similar at each period ( P  > 0.05). At week 4, membrane thickness was significantly greater in the HAM group than in the CM group ( P  = 0.019). Membrane thicknesses were similar between HAM and CM groups the other time points ( P  > 0.05). At week 12, general tissue reactions were higher in the CM group than in the control group ( P  = 0.021). The specific cellular reactions in the groups were similar at all periods ( P  > 0.05). Conclusions HAM can be considered a suitable barrier membrane for guided bone regeneration because of its tissue compatibility and resorption time similar to collagen membranes and ease of obtainability.