Effect of rhPDGF-BB delivery on mediators of periodontal wound repair

Growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor ( PDGF) exert potent effects on wound healing including the regeneration of tooth-supporting structures. This investigation examined the effect of the local delivery of PDGF-BB when combined with reconstructive periodontal surgery on local wound fluid (WF) levels of PDGF-AB, vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF), and bone collagen telopeptide ( ICTP) in humans with advanced periodontitis. Sixteen patients exhibiting localized periodontal osseous defects were randomized to one of three groups (beta-TCP carrier alone, beta-TCP + 0.3 mg/mL of recombinant human PDGF-BB [rhPDGF-BB], or beta-TCP + 1.0 mg/mL of rhPDGF-BB) and monitored for 6 months. WF was harvested and analyzed for PDGF-AB, VEGF, and ICTP WF levels. Teeth contralateral to the target lesions served as controls. Increased levels of VEGF in the WF was observed for all surgical treatment groups with the 1.0 mg/mL rhPDGF-BB group showing the most pronounced difference at 3 weeks in the AUC analysis versus control (p < 0.0001). PDGF-AB WF levels were increased for the carrier alone group compared to both rhPDGF-BB groups. Low-dose rhPDGF-BB application elicited increases in ICTP at days 3-5 in the wound healing process, suggesting a promotion of bone turnover at early stages of the repair process ( p < 0.02). These results demonstrate contrasting inducible expression patterns of PDGF-AB, VEGF, and ICTP during periodontal wound healing in humans.