Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the proliferation of undifferentiated periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts.
Materials and methods: The undifferentiated PDL fibroblasts were obtained from two healthy human premolar teeth and cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium. Cell wells were divided into five groups. Experimental groups received 0.1%, 5%, or 50% PRP; the positive and negative control groups were cultured in fetal bovine serum (FBS) 12% and in a medium without FBS 12%, respectively. The plates were incubated at 37°C for 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 days. PDL cell viability was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide proliferation assay. Statistical analysis of the data was accomplished using repeated measure ANOVA and Tukey's test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The 5% PRP had the greatest effect on undifferentiated fibroblast proliferation, which was significant on the 3rd day. There was no significant difference between 0.1% PRP and positive control during the first 3 days. The group with 50% PRP presented significantly lower proliferation, compared to other experimental and control groups.
Conclusions: It may be concluded that the growth-stimulating effect of PRP is dose dependent with the best results in low concentrations.
Keywords: Avulsion; cell culture; cell proliferation; periodontal ligament cell; platelet-rich plasma.