Effect of Emdogain on proliferation and migration of different periodontal tissue–associated cells

ObjectivesAlthough Emdogain is widely used as a gel in periodontal therapy, the exact mechanisms underlying its regenerative ability still need to be further investigated. Therefore, we tested in vitro the effect of the product Emdogain on proliferation, viability, and migration of various human cell types of periodontium.Study designProliferation and viability of alveolar osteoblasts (AOBs), epithelial cell line HSC-2, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were measured using [3H]-thymidine uptake and 3,4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT)-assay, respectively. Cell migration was investigated in microchemotaxis chamber.ResultsThe proliferation and viability of AOB, HSC-2, and HUVECs were significantly stimulated by Emdogain (12.5-250 μg/mL) in direct relationship with the amount of product present in the cell culture medium. Cell migration was stimulated in AOB and HUVECs depending on Emdogain amount. In contrast, in HSC-2 cells the migration was stimulated only by less than 50 μg/mL of Emdogain, whereas at higher amounts this stimulating effect was either diminished or absent.ConclusionEmdogain stimulates proliferation, viability, and migration of AOB, HSC-2, and HUVECs in vitro. This biological versatility of Emdogain could correspond to an essential mechanism underlying its ability to promote periodontal regeneration.