Growth factors--importance and possibilities for enhancement of the healing process in bone fractures.
The healing process after bone fractures is subject to complex regulation. A major part in it is played by biologically active molecules, called growth factors. The most important of these are the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), transforming growth factor--beta (TGF-beta), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and epidermal growth factor (EGF).


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to do a short review of data in the scientific literature about the specific role of each factor in reparative osteogenesis in relation to the healing of bone fractures, as well as the possibilities for enhancement of this process by growth factors.


METHODS
A detailed Medline search was conducted with emphasis on reports from the last ten years.


CONCLUSIONS
The information gathered demonstrated the key role of growth factors and their potential for stimulation of healing of fractures and their complications. This conclusion is supported by results from numerous animal experiments.
Vladimirov
Boyan S
BS
Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Medical University--Plovdiv, Bulgaria. bonivlad@hotmail.com
Dimitrov
Slaveho A
SA
D000818:Animals; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000502:physiology*; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000187:drug effects*; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010012:Osteogenesis / Q000187:drug effects
D006133:Growth Substances