Smart azithromycin-coated implants enhance gingival tissue healing by modulating inflammation and cell cycle activity: A clinical and molecular study.

Gingivitis, affecting 50%-90% of the population, is characterized by red, swollen gums and bleeding. If untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. Azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, has anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway and reducing the release of inflammatory mediators such as IL-1β and TNF-α. This study investigates the effects of azithromycin-coated implants on gingival tissue healing in patients with gingivitis. Clinical indicators (gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing depth and mucosal redness and swelling) and cellular dynamics (Ki-67 positive cell rate, apoptosis rate and expression levels of Cyclin D1 and CDK4) were evaluated preoperatively and at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. The study found significant improvements in clinical indicators and cellular dynamics in the experimental group compared to the control group, indicating that azithromycin-coated implants effectively reduce inflammation and enhance cell proliferation and tissue healing.