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Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) stimulates three processes critical for musculoskeletal repair, each of which are well described in the scientific literature:
- 1) Chemotaxis:
- The first step in the repair of damaged tissue is the migration of reparative cells to the site of injury. The process of cell attraction and migration is known as chemotaxis. PDGF is believed to be one of the strongest chemoattractant agents in the human body.
As shown by Fiedler, PDGF has a superior ability to recruit mesenchymal cells (cells that are precursors to bone, tendon, ligament and cartilage) relative to other common bone proteins. Values are in units of chemotactic index (CI).
- 2) Mitogenesis:
- Mitogenesis, also known as proliferation, refers to the process of stimulating cells to divide. Cell division increases the total number of cells and ensures are sufficient numbers to provide an adequate healing response. PDGF is a potent mitogen of cells of mesenchymal (musculoskeletal) origin.
As shown by Wildemann, PDGF stimulates the replication of human osteoblast (bone forming) cells. This is in contrast to BMP-2, which generally does not have mitogenic properties.
- 3) Angiogenesis:
- Regeneration of any tissue is dependent upon the availability of an adequate blood supply. PDGF is directly involved in the regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a molecule which is critical for stimulating production of new blood vessels (angiogenesis).
As shown by Bouletreau, PDGF directly influences the expression of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) in a dose-dependent manner, a protein necessary for the formation of new blood vessels.
Fiedler, J. et al. (2002), Journal of Cellular Biochemistry; 87(3): 305-312.
Wildemann, B. et al. (2007), Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research; Dec 20; 2:27.
Bouletreau, PJ. et al. (2002), Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; Jul 110(1): 139-148.
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