Effects of platelet-rich fibrin on human periodontally related cells

Objectives: Platelet-rich fibrin (PFP) is a second-generation platelet concentrate which allows one to obtain, starting from an anticoagulant-free blood harvest, fibrin membranes enriched with platelets and growth factors. The PRF protocol was described for the first time in 2001 by Choukroun et al. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2006; 101: E37-44). However, limited information is currently available concerning the biological effects of PRF on the periodontally related cells. Therefore to provide the clear evidence for the clinical use of PRF, we have investigated the biological effects of PRF on the proliferation of human gingival fibroblasts, oral epithelial cells, and osteoblasts. Methods: Blood collection was carried out on 10 healthy volunteers. The PRF was obtained from PC-02 table centrifuge (France) centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 12 min. Cultured human gingival fibroblasts, oral epithelial cell line OC2, and osteoblast cell line U2OS were used to evaluate the cell proliferation resulting from PRF by using tetrazolium bromide reduction assay. Results: PRF showed the milky-white membrane like appearance grossly. Homogenous and intensive fibrin was found in PRF in H&E staining. PRF stimulated osteoblast cell proliferation (135% of control), but suppressed oral epithelial cells as lowering to 78 % as compared with control. PRF also increased cell proliferation in gingival fibroblasts (p<0.05). In addition, gingival fibroblasts and osteoblasts were observed to attach at the margins of PRF by phase contrast microscopy. Conclusions: It is suggested that PRF modulated the cell proliferation in a cell type-specific manner. These cell type-specific actions may be the benefit for the periodontal regeneration therapy. This study was supported by CSMU-96RD-05.