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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
10:26
Inducing Apical Periodontitis in Mice
Published on: August 6, 2019
Upregulation of basic fibroblast growth factor in human periapical lesions
Ivan Moldauer1, Ines Velez, Sergio Kuttler
1Department of Endodontics, Nova Southeastern, University College of Dental Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA.
Journal of Endodontics
|April 25, 2006
Summary
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is upregulated in chronic periapical lesions. This growth factor may play a role in the development of chronic apical periodontitis and periapical cysts.
Area of Science:
- Endodontics
- Oral Pathology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a heparin-binding growth factor.
- bFGF stimulates endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis.
- Its role in chronic periapical lesions is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of bFGF in chronic periapical lesions of endodontic origin.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical staining was used to examine 10 chronic periapical lesions.
- Four specimens of uninflamed periodontal ligament served as controls.
- Staining intensity for bFGF was graded by two independent observers.
Main Results:
- All 10 chronic periapical lesions showed immunopositive cytoplasmic and nuclear staining for bFGF.
- Varying degrees of bFGF upregulation were observed in the lesions.
- Control tissues showed no significant bFGF expression.
Conclusions:
- bFGF is upregulated in chronic periapical lesions.
- bFGF may contribute to granulation tissue formation and epithelial cell rest activation.
- bFGF is implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic apical periodontitis and periapical cysts.
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