Platelet-derived and insulin-like growth factors stimulate regeneration of periodontal attachment in monkeys

Regeneration of cementum, ligament, bone and new attachment was achieved by introducing mixtures of recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor and insulin-like growth factor into debrided lesions of experimentally induced periodontitis in monkeys. This growth factor therapeutic regimen induced the regeneration of nearly 50% of the lost attachment within 4 weeks. New attachment in some cases included regeneration of horizontally resorbed interdental septa. These observations suggest that predictable, clinically significant gains in new attachment may be possible through the use of highly purified human recombinant growth factors delivered to debrided lesions of adult periodontitis in appropriate, inert carrier vehicles.