VEGF and FGF-2 Released In Palatal Suture after Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME)

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) have the ability to increase vascular proliferation and permeability. The aim of this study was to quantify the release of two diffusible angiogenic growth factors (VEGF and FGF-2) after rapid maxillary expansion (RME). Thirty animals were randomly assigned to two groups. Control group (5 rats - intact suture) and Experimental groups (25 rats with RME) which were evaluated in different periods of treatment. Five animals were euthanized in different periods of healing at 0, 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 days after RME. RT-PCR was used to evaluate the gene expression of angiogenic growth factors released on different periods of study. Data were submitted to statistical analysis using ANOVA followed by Tukey test and significance was assumed at a=0.05. RT-PCR showed that mRNAs of VEGF and FGF-2 were expressed in intact palatal suture tissue. mRNAs of VEGF and FGF-2 was upregulated in early periods (24 h) after RME (p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively). The molecular levels of VEGF never returned to its original baseline values, and FGF-2 expression decreased up to day 5 (p<0.001) and suddenly increased at day 7, returning to its original level. RME increased VEGF secretion, but decreased FGF-2 secretion when compared to intact tissue. The results showed that these angiogenic growth factors are released and regulated in the palatal suture tissue after RME and could make an important contribution to the knowledge of overall reparative response of the suture tissue during the bone remodeling process.