Effects of ascorbic acid and cholecalciferol D-3 on growth factors in platelet-rich fibrin

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of adding ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and cholecalciferol D3 (vitamin D) to platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) matrices on growth factors, cytokine levels, and mechanical properties in vitro. Materials and Methods: The study included 10 healthy male and 10 healthy female participants. Seven tubes of venous blood were collected from each participant, and these samples were divided into three groups: the control group (PRF), the vitamin C group (VitC-PRF), and the vitamin D group (VitD-PRF). PRF samples were prepared using a standard centrifugation protocol, and growth factors (IGF-1, PDGF, FGF-2, VEGF, TGF-β1) as well as inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-1β, TNF-α) were analyzed using the ELISA method at 24 and 72 hours. Mechanical properties were assessed through SEM analysis, tensile strength, and elongation measurements. Results: The tensile strength and elongation of the VitC-PRF group were found to be significantly higher compared to the control (p<0.05) and VitD-PRF groups. FGF-2 and PDGF levels were observed to be elevated in the VitD-PRF group, while other growth factors were more abundant in the control group. IL-1β levels were significantly lower in the VitC-PRF group compared to the other groups, while no significant differences were observed among the groups for TNF-α levels. Conclusion: The addition of ascorbic acid and cholecalciferol D3 to platelet-rich fibrin increased its mechanical durability and demonstrated positive biological effects on growth factors and inflammatory processes. These findings suggest that platelet-rich fibrin may be used more effectively in periodontal regeneration processes.