Polypeptide growth factors in the course of surgical periodontal treatment

The aim of the study was to evaluate the behaviour of certain polypeptide growth factors in patients with rapidly progressive periodontitis (RPP) during periodontal therapy using alloplastic grafts. Concentrations of epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblastic growth factor (FGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) were assayed in blood serum and saliva. Significant differences in the behaviour of growth factors in blood referred to EGF and PDGF. Their mean concentrations in serum of RPP patients were higher both in the preliminary examination and in the final investigation after 3 months compared with control group. However, mean FGF concentrations in serum were significantly higher only in the distant examination. In saliva, the concentrations of EGF, PDGF and FGF were not significantly different compared with control group. Salivary TGF beta in patients with RPP was significantly higher than in controls and increased in the final examination. The differences observed in the concentrations of growth factors in the serum and saliva of patients with RPP indicate that these factors can be involved in inflammation, destruction and regeneration of periodontal tissues.