Growth/differentiation factor-5: a candidate therapeutic agent for periodontal regeneration? A review of pre-clinical data.
OBJECTIVE
Therapeutic concepts involving the application of matrix, growth and differentiation factors have been advocated in support of periodontal wound healing/regeneration. Growth/differentiation factor-5 (GDF-5), a member of the bone morphogenetic protein family, represents one such factor. The purpose of this review is to provide a background of the therapeutic effects of GDF-5 expressed in various musculoskeletal settings using small and large animal platforms.


METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify all reports in the English language evaluating GDF-5 using the PubMed and Google search engines, and a manual search of the reference lists from the electronically retrieved reports. Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts from a total of 69 reports, 22 of which were identified as pre-clinical (in vivo) evaluations of GDF-5. The full-length article of the 22 pre-clinical reports was then reviewed.


RESULTS
Various applications including cranial and craniofacial bone formation, spine fusion, long bone fracture healing, cartilage, and tendon/ligament repair using a variety of small and large animal platforms evaluating GDF-5 as a therapeutic agent were identified. A majority of studies, using biomechanical, radiographic, and histological analysis, demonstrated significant dose-dependent effects of GDF-5. These include increased/enhanced local bone formation, fracture healing/repair, and cartilage and tendon/ligament formation. GDF-5 frequently was shown to accelerate wound maturation. Several studies demonstrated GDF-5 to be a realistic alternative to autograft bone. Studies using pre-clinical models and human histology suggest GDF-5 may also increase/enhance periodontal wound healing/regeneration.


CONCLUSIONS
GDF-5 appears a promising therapeutic agent for periodontal wound healing/regeneration as GDF-5 supports/accelerates bone and tendon/ligament formation in several musculoskeletal settings including periodontal tissues.
Moore
Yolanda R
YR
Department of Periodontics, Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
Dickinson
Douglas P
DP
Wikesjö
Ulf M E
UM
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D055428:Growth Differentiation Factor 5 / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016557:Guided Tissue Regeneration, Periodontal / Q000379:methods*; D010012:Osteogenesis / Q000502:physiology*; D010519:Periodontium / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*
D055428:Growth Differentiation Factor 5