Levels of growth factors from platelet-rich fibrin from chronic periodontitis versus periodontally healthy subjects: a pilot study

Objectives This study aimed to (1) compare the amounts of growth factors from platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) between chronic periodontitis and periodontally healthy subjects and (2) evaluate the relationships between the amounts of growth factors from PRF with complete blood counts (white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts) and the serum concentrations of IL-1 beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Materials and methods Venous blood was collected from chronic periodontitis (test) and periodontally healthy subjects (control). PRF and serum were collected from the centrifuged blood. Liquid exudates from the compression of PRF were collected. The compressed PRF membranes were incubated in saline, and eluted aliquots were collected at 1, 24, and 72 h, and the membranes were then digested with trypsin. Epidermal growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1, platelet-derived growth factor-BB, transforming growth factor-beta 1, and vascular endothelial growth factor in the exudates and eluents were quantified by ELISA. Serum was used for IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha quantifications. Complete blood counts were measured. Results There were no significant differences in the amounts of growth factors from PRF exudates and membranes measured between groups (all p > 0.05). The test group had significantly higher WBC (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant correlation between the WBC and the amounts of the growth factors from PRF (all p > 0.05). Conclusions PRF can be utilized as an autologous source of growth factors not affected by periodontal condition and WBC level.