Effects of fibroblast growth factor-2 on cell proliferation of cementoblasts

Background/purpose: Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 is known as a signaling molecule that induces tissue regeneration. Little is known about the effect of FGF-2 on cementoblasts for periodontal and periapical regeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of FGF-2 on murine immortalized cementoblast cell line (OCCM.30).

Materials and methods: Cell growth and proliferation was judged by using alamar blue reduction assay. Flow cytometry analysis was used to evaluate Stro-1 positive cells expression with or without FGF-2. Western blot was used to evaluate the expression of phosphorylated serine-threonine kinase Akt (p-Akt) and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (p-ERK) in cementoblasts.

Results: FGF-2 was found to increase cell growth in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). The concentration of 10 ng/mL FGF-2 enhanced cell proliferation in a time-dependent manner (P < 0.05). In addition, 10 ng/mL FGF-2 significantly increased the number of Stro-1 positive cells in the first 24 hours (P < 0.05). Moreover, 10 ng/mL FGF-2 was found to upregulate p-Akt and p-ERK in a time-dependent manner (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Taken together, FGF-2 could increase cementoblast growth, proliferation, and Stro-1 positive cells. These enhancements are associated with the upregulation of p-Akt and p-ERK expression. The application of FGF-2 may provide benefit for periodontal and periapical regeneration during the early phase of wound healing.