Evaluation of vascular endothelial growth factor – A release from platelet-rich fibrin, platelet-rich fibrin matrix, and dental pulp at different time intervals

BACKGROUND: Lack of collateral blood supply and the low compliance environment of pulp makes its healing, a challenge. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a primary angiogenic growth factor. Knowledge of dose and time-dependent expression of VEGF from platelet concentrates, namely platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and PRF matrix (PRFM), along with vital pulp can aid in developing strategies to improve the outcome of vital pulp therapy and regenerative procedures. Hence, the aim of this study was to compare VEGF kinetics of PRF, PRFM, and dental pulp. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PRF, PRFM, and vital dental pulp were placed in culture media for a week; the supernatant was collected from these samples at days 1, 4, and 7. VEGF-A expression was evaluated using ELISA and compared with the weight of the sample so as to quantify the release of VEGF-A per milligram of sample. RESULTS: PRF exhibited maximum VEGF-A release on day 4 and was sustained till day 7. In contrast, PRFM and dental pulp showed no significant release of VEGF-A till day 7. However, on day 7, there was a rapid increase in VEGF-A expression from dental pulp that was comparable to PRF. On comparing the release of VEGF-A per milligram of tissue, pulp exhibited the maximum values. CONCLUSION: Among the platelet concentrates, differential expression of VEGF-A was superior in PRF. The use of PRF in partial pulpitis should be explored in order to restore pulp vascularity and hasten pulpal healing.