Human Periodontal Fibroblast Response to Enamel Matrix Derivative, Amelogenin, and Platelet‐Derived Growth Factor‐BB

Background: The ideal goal of clinical therapy in periodontal defects is regeneration of all lost structures. For regeneration to occur, cell proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix synthesis are prerequisites. Attempts at regeneration of periodontal defects by guided tissue regeneration using bone grafts and membranes have not always yielded predictable results. Recently, attempts at engineering the defects using various materials have shown promising results. Two such approaches have been used to regenerate periodontal defects, one using extracellular matrix such as enamel matrix proteins and the other using growth factors. However, to our knowledge, no study has looked at combining these two approaches to achieve potentially even greater regeneration. Methods: Primary human periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts were explanted, and alkaline phosphatase (ALK PHOS) activity was determined. Phenotypically different cell lines were incubated for 1, 3, 6, and 10 days in 0.2% fetal bovine serum (FBS) media containing different concentrations of either enamel matrix derivative (EMD), amelogenin, platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (PDGF‐BB), EMD + PDGF‐BB, or amelogenin + PDGF‐BB. A culture of 0.2% FBS alone served as a negative control, and a culture of 10% FBS served as a positive control. Cell proliferation was measured using a Coulter counter to determine the cell number. The effects on a wound‐fill model were evaluated by scraping a 3‐mm wide cell‐free zone in PDL monolayers across the diameter of the tissue‐culture plate and determining PDL cell migration into the cell‐free zone using computer assisted histomorphometry. Results: Compared to the control, only EMD + PDGF‐BB significantly increased PDL cell proliferation in an ALK PHOS (−) cell line (P