Role of PRGF (Plasma Rich in Growth Factors) in Periodontal Regeneration

Abstract

Platelet-rich-growth-factors (PRGF), a modification of fibrin glue made from autologous blood, is being used to deliver growth factors in high concentration to sites requiring osseous grafting. Growth factors released from the platelets include platelet-derived growth factor(PDGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß), platelet-derived epidermal growth factor (PDGF), platelet-derived angiogenesis factor, insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF1), and platelet factor 4. These factors signal the local mesenchymal and epithelial cells to migrate, divide, and increase collagen and matrix synthesis. Anitua et al in 2001 introduced the concept of PRGF and since then it has been used for a variety of purposes in the field of dentistry and oral implantology for proper wound healing and regeneration of periodontal tissues. This review aims to give a brief idea about the various uses of PRGF and the possibility of utilization in the future taking into consideration many studies that have been done. The main advantage of using PRGF is that it lacks the leukocyte content thus preventing damage to the tissues during healing due to the acid hydrolases and proteases released from the neutrophils. It has been previously used for treating intrabony defects, to increase the implant-bone contact area, for recession coverage etc. In other fields of medicine, it has been used to cure osteoarthritis, to treat chronic ulcers as well. Therefore, PRGF is a very effective blood concentrate with a high concentration of growth factors and its use should be increased in the clinical practice.