Association Between Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes mellitus and Concentrated Growth Factor Composition: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE

Concentrated Growth Factor (CGF) is a third-generation autologous platelet concentrate utilized for its high density of bioactive molecules. However, the influence of chronic hyperglycemia on the specific growth factor composition of CGF remains underexplored. This study aimed to quantify and compare the concentrations of IGF-1, VEGF-A, and TGF-β1 in CGF derived from individuals with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) versus non-diabetic controls.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 80 participants: 40 with uncontrolled T2DM (HbA1c > 7%) and 40 non-diabetic controls (HbA1c < 6%). CGF was isolated via a standardized variable-speed centrifugation protocol (Medifuge MF200). Growth factor levels were quantified using validated, high-sensitivity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (CV < 10%). Data were analyzed using independent t-tests and Pearson's correlation (P < 0.05), adjusting for age and BMI.

RESULTS

CGF from uncontrolled diabetics exhibited significantly lower mean concentrations of all measured factors compared to controls: IGF-1 (0.42 ± 0.15 vs. 1.58 ± 0.06 ng/mL; P< 0.001), VEGF-A (0.11 ± 0.02 vs. 0.21 ± 0.03 ng/mL; P< 0.001), and TGF-β1 (2.52 ± 0.36 vs. 2.76 ± 0.15 ng/mL;P < 0.001). The largest reduction was observed in IGF-1 (~72%), followed by VEGF-A (~46.7%) and TGF-β1 (~8.7%). Correlation analysis indicated that these reductions were significantly associated with hyperglycemic status (HbA1c) rather than demographic variables such as age or BMI.

CONCLUSION

Uncontrolled hyperglycemia is associated with a significant quantitative depletion of key regenerative growth factors within CGF, particularly IGF-1 and VEGF-A. These findings suggest that the intrinsic regenerative potential of autologous CGF may be compromised in diabetic patients, indicating a need for optimized glycemic control or adjunctive strategies in clinical regenerative procedures.