Summary :
Aim: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of enamel matrix derivative (EMD), transforming growth factor-b1 (TGF-b1), and a combination of both factors (EMD1TGF-b1) on periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts. Material and methods: Human PDL fibroblasts were obtained from three adult patients with a clinically healthy periodontium, using the explant technique. The effects of EMD, TGF-b1, or a combination of both were analysed on PDL cell proliferation, adhesion, wound healing, and total protein synthesis, and on alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and bone-like nodule formation. Results: Treatment with EMD for 4, 7, and 10 days increased cell proliferation significantly compared with the negative control (po0.05). At day 10, EMD and EMD1TGF-b1 showed a higher cell proliferation compared with TGF-b1 (po0.01). Cell adhesion was significantly up-regulated by TGF-b1 compared with EMD and EMD1TGF-b1 (po0.01). EMD enhanced in vitro wound healing of PDL cells compared with the other treatments. Total protein synthesis was significantly increased in PDL cells cultured with EMD compared with PDL cells treated with TGF-b1 or EMD1TGF-b1 (po0.05). EMD induced ALP activity in PDL fibroblasts, which was associated with an increase of bone-like nodules. Conclusion: These findings support the hypothesis that EMD and TGF-b1 may play an important role in periodontal regeneration. EMD induced PDL fibroblast proliferation and migration, total protein synthesis, ALP activity, and mineralization, while TGF-b1 increased cellular adhesion. However, the combination of both factors did not positively alter PDL fibroblast behaviour.

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