Hepatocyte Growth Factor And Periodontal Disease.

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is one of the various chemical factors that facilitate periodontal destruction. HGF affects nervous system, immune system and reticuloendothelial system. It is a protein secreted by mesenchymal cells such as fibroblasts, and promotes motility and matrix invasion of epithelial cells. HGF - a pluripotential regenerative cytokine - is a key factor in the pathogenesis and progression of periodontal disease, mostly through its over-stimulation of gingival epithelial cell growth and impairment of the regeneration of collagenous structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]