Objective: The aim of this article is to review the effect of enamel matrix derivate (EMD) on growth factors activation for periodontal regeneration.
Material and methods: Online databases, such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, PMC, Science Direct were searched by using the following keywords in various combinations: emdogain, periodontal regeneration, growth factors, transforming growth factor, bone morphogenetic protein, fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factors. All studies fulfilling the selection criteria were carefully reviewed for the focused question: "Does enamel matrix derivate induces the activity of growth factors, important in periodontal regeneration?".
Results: 1378 articles were found in the databases using keywords. After duplicate citations screened, inclusion/exclusion criteria applied, excluded articles after titles, summaries and full-text reading 14 articles were included in the literature review.
Conclusion: Enamel matrix derivate (EMD) was found to have a possitive effect on periodontal tissue regneration. By stimulating secretion and activating functions of growth factors, such as transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP), vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), EMD induces production of new alveolar bone, new root cementum and functionl periodontal ligament (PDL) and new blood vessels formation in periodontal area. Due to this production, the probing depth of periodontal pocket is being reduced.