Effects of Concentrated Growth Factor and Advanced Platelet-Rich Fibrin Plus on Human Gingival Fibroblasts: A Comparative in Vitro Study

Abstract

Introduction: Periodontal regeneration critically depends on the viability and proliferation of periodontal ligament cells and fibroblasts. Advanced platelet-rich fibrin plus (A-PRF+) and concentrated growth factor (CGF) are autologous Platelet-derived concentrates that may enhance cellular activities essential for periodontal healing.

Objectives: To evaluate and compare the effects of A-PRF+ and CGF on human gingival fibroblast viability and proliferation in vitro.

Methods: Human gingival fibroblasts were cultured and exposed to conditioned media from A-PRF+ and CGF membranes prepared from 12 systemically and periodontally healthy subjects (age 20-40 years). Cell viability and proliferation were assessed using MTT assay at 24 and 48 hours. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Both A-PRF+ and CGF demonstrated superior cell viability compared to control groups. A-PRF+ showed 87.0 ± 2.1% and 99.0 ± 1.2% cell viability after 24 and 48 hours, respectively. CGF demonstrated 91.0 ± 1.8% and 100.0 ± 0.8% cell viability after 24 and 48 hours, respectively. CGF showed a 5% proliferation rate after 48 hours, indicating enhanced cellular activity. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between experimental groups and controls (p < 0.001) and between A-PRF+ and CGF at 24 hours (p = 0.042).

Conclusions: Both A-PRF+ and CGF conditioned media significantly enhanced human gingival fibroblast viability and proliferation. CGF demonstrated slightly superior performance in maintaining cell viability and showed unique proliferative effects over the 48-hour period.