Evaluation of Periodontal Disease Effect on the Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Nerve Growth Factor in Dental Pulp

Introduction: Researchers have always been interested in the close and mutual relationship between the pulp and periodontal tissues. Although the effects of pulpal disease on periodontium have been well known, the clear relationship between periodontitis and pulp has not been documented . It seems that bacteria and inflammatory products of periodontitis can affect pulp through accessory canals, apical foramen, and dentinal tubule. Meanwhile, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) are components of growth factors which increase in the inflammatory tissues. This study aimed to evaluate periodontal disease effects on the expression of VEGF and NGF in dental pulp.  Materials and Methods: In this analytical cross-sectional study, 30 human dental pulp specimens were collected from 15 teeth with severe chronic periodontitis and 15 teeth with healthy periodontium. The percentage of stained cells (LI) and intensity of stained cells (VEGF and NGF) were calculated and compared between two groups by Independent t test and Fisher analysis. Results: The percentage of stained cells for VEGF in the case group was 34.514 and in the control group 35.473. The percentage of stained cells for NGF in the case group was 34.962 and in the control group 34.592. There was no statistically significant difference between two groups (P>0.05). In addition, there was no significant and qualitative difference between the case and control groups with regard to the intensity of stained cells (P>0.05).  Conclusion: According to the results of this study, severe periodontitis did not affect the expression of the VEGF and NGF in dental pulp.