The effects of platelet-rich plasma on the proliferation and release of growth factors from periodontal ligament cells

Periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) play an important role in the regeneration of periodontium. The healing potential of PDLCs may be due to the high concentration of growth factors in platelet-rich plasma (PRP). In this study, the effects of PRP on the proliferation and activation of PDLCs and growth factor release from PDLCs were investigated. PDLCs were isolated from third molars or premolars of healthy patients. Whole blood was obtained from healthy volunteers for the preparation of activated PRP. The platelet concentration in PRP was measured and the amount of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AB, PDGF-BB, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The effects of activated PRP on PDLC proliferation, attachment, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and growth factor release were investigated. Platelet concentration was increased 5.41-fold in PRP compared to whole blood. PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, TGF-β1, and VEGF were detected in PRP at concentrations of 273.38 ng/mL, 47.0 ng/mL, 168.42 ng/mL, and 510.56 pg/mL, respectively. PDLCs cultured with ≥10% PRP showed significantly increased cell proliferation and ALP activity compared to the control (p<0.05). PDLCs cultured with 10% PRP also presented higher cell attachment and increased release of TGF-β1 and VEGF compared to the control (p<0.05). PRP can deliver high concentrations of growth factors to a defect site to increase the proliferation, attachment, and ALP activity of PDLCs. These results suggest that PRP might effectively contribute to periodontal regeneration.