INTRODUCTION

Clinical evidence of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) benefits on bone repair is still emerging, prompting researchers to experiment with different PRF formulations as osteoconductive scaffolds.

AIMS

This study compared the osteoconductive effects of injectable PRF (i-PRF) and leukocyte-rich PRF (L-PRF) on the differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) into osteoblasts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Blood samples were collected from the volunteers to prepare L-PRF and i-PRF conditioned media (CM) by centrifugation. DPSCs were isolated from impacted third molars and cultured. Proliferation of DPSCs in response to L-PRF and i-PRF was assessed by MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Osteoinductive potential was evaluated through alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, alizarin red S (ARS) staining, growth factor levels (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], transforming growth factor [TGF-beta]), and cytokine expression (interleukin 6 [IL-6], IL-8) after 7 days.

RESULTS

MTT assay results showed that both L-PRF and i-PRF increased DPSC proliferation relative to the control group. After 7 days in L-PRF and i-PRF CM, DPSCs exhibited increased ALP activity, higher red-colored calcium deposits with ARS staining, and elevated levels of VEGF and TGF-beta. In addition, higher concentrations of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 were observed in both L-PRF and i-PRF compared to the control.

CONCLUSIONS

Using both L-PRF and i-PRF as scaffolds can enhance the osteoinductive ability of stem cells, offering a potential strategy for regenerative therapies.