Growth factors in bones and teeth.

Human bone contains an abundance of polypeptide growth factors. These growth factors stimulate the proliferation and activity of bone cells and can stimulate bone formation. Data from this laboratory and others suggest that bone growth factors may act to couple bone formation to resorption to maintain bone mass during remodeling. Research is underway to study these growth factors in bones and teeth, and their possible roles in both the pathogenesis and the treatments of osteoporosis and dental diseases.