Keynote Address: Periodontal Tissue Engineering by FGF-2

Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) induces strong angiogenic activity and proliferative capacity in undifferentiated mesenchymal cells.  We revealed that FGF-2 regulates proliferation, differentiation, migration and extracellular matrix production of periodontal ligament cells and that topical application of FGF-2 is efficacious in regenerating periodontal tissue in models of artificial loss of periodontal tissue in beagles and non-human primates.  To assess the possibility of clinically applying FGF-2 for periodontal tissue regeneration, we recently conducted a double-blinded clinical trial (phase II).   Standardized radiographs revealed significantly increased alveolar bone mass in 0.3%-FGF-2 Group compared to Placebo Group. Throughout the investigation period, no emergence of any serious adverse effects was identified.  These results suggest that topical application of FGF-2 can induce significant regeneration of periodontal tissue in periodontitis patients.  In my presentation, the present status and future outlook of FGF-2 therapy in the field of Periodontics will be discussed.