2023, Vol. 27 ›› Issue (1): 105-113

Application of concentrated growth factor and epidermal growth factor in the field of oral and maxillofacial soft and hard tissue injury repair

Liu Yunling1, 2, He Ruya1, 2, Nie Minhai1, 2, Li Tengyan1, 2, Liu Xuqian1, 2   

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Oral and maxillofacial region is a sensitive part of beauty in appearance, and its damage often involves both soft and hard tissues. Concentrated growth factor and recombinant human epidermal growth factor can promote the repair and regeneration of local soft and hard tissue injury, which has become a new research hotspot in recent years.  
OBJECTIVE: To review the research progress and application of concentrated growth factor and recombinant human epidermal growth factor in the repair of soft and hard tissue injury in oral and maxillofacial region, and discuss the limitations of current research and the possibility of their combined application in the future.
METHODS: The English search terms were “CGF, concentrated growth factor, rhEGF, recombinant human epidermal growth factor, tissue regeneration” and the Chinese search terms were “concentrated growth factor, epidermal growth factor, tissue engineering, tissue regeneration, oral and maxillofacial region”. Relevant articles about concentrated growth factor and recombinant human epidermal growth factor were searched in CNKI and PubMed databases. The retrieval time was from 2011 to 2021. Finally, 63 articles were selected.  
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) In this paper, the biological characteristics and sources of concentrated growth factor and recombinant human epidermal growth factor were briefly introduced. The research progress and clinical application status of concentrated growth factor and recombinant human epidermal growth factor in promoting the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells related to the regeneration of soft and hard tissues in oral and maxillofacial regions were emphatically summarized. The limitations of current research and possible application directions in the future were discussed. (2) Concentrated growth factor contains a variety of growth factors and CD34+ cells, which can promote the growth, proliferation, migration and differentiation of a variety of tissue cells, especially stem cells, and play an important role in tissue injury repair. (3) Concentrated growth factor is widely used in implant surgery, autologous tooth transplantation, jaw cyst resection, gingival surgery, debridement and suture, which can relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve postoperative bone regeneration effect and aesthetic effect. (4) Recombinant human epidermal growth factor has a great development space in soft tissue and nerve regeneration. It has been proven that recombinant human epidermal growth factor can promote a variety of stem cells to differentiate into neuron-like cells, and also induce adipocytes to differentiate into epidermal cells. Most clinical studies suggest that recombinant human epidermal growth factor can promote healing of oral ulcers and reduce scar formation. (5) “Concentrated growth factor + recombinant human epidermal growth factor” combined with adipose-derived stem cells and other stem cells that can be easily obtained have the possibility of directional formation of oral and maxillofacial soft and hard tissue. In the future, it may fill the deep oral and maxillofacial tissue defects caused by trauma, tumor resection, and promote the repair and regeneration of damaged nerves. (6) Trying to use “concentrated growth factor + recombinant human epidermal growth factor” for refractory oral ulcers, periodontal surgery, dental implants, oral and maxillofacial trauma surgery is also a new way to improve oral and maxillofacial function and appearance. Collagen sponge and chitosan membrane may be used as carriers of “concentrated growth factor + recombinant human epidermal growth factor” to facilitate shaping and prolong the action time of the composite.
Key words: concentrated growth factor, epidermal growth factor, recombinant human epidermal growth factor, oral and maxillofacial region, injury repair, soft and hard tissues, ulcer, implant, bone defect, carrier