人牙髓细胞与牙龈成纤维细胞差异表达基因的克隆及特征分析

目的批量克隆人牙髓细胞（HDPC）与人牙龈成纤维细胞（HGF）的差异表达基因并对其特征进行分析,研究HDPC的生物学特性。方法体外培养HDPC和HGF,应用基于PCR的改良消减杂交技术构建HDPC和HGF的cDNA消减文库,批量克隆HDPC和HGF的差异表达基因并测序,使用GenBank的BLAST对测序结果进行同源序列比较。结果经过序列测定,获得12个差异表达基因的序列,经BLAST分析有2个为未知基因。在已知基因中,含有4个与细胞信号转导机制相关的基因;2个与细胞转运机制相关的基因（包括细胞膜及细胞核膜转运）;2个与细胞RNA剪接机制相关的基因。结论HDPC的生物学特性是由某些特定基因的差异表达所决定的,其生长、分化机制可能与相对旺盛的蛋白合成及分泌活性相关。     

The Role of Small Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Lipopolysaccharide-preconditioned Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells in Dental Pulp Regeneration

IntroductionRegenerative endodontics has created a desirable shift in the treatment paradigm despite current limitations of regenerative outcomes. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) facilitate tissue regeneration and repair in a mild inflammatory environment. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) derived from MSCs play an imperative role in the paracrine modulation of regenerative responses modulated by MSCs. However, it remains unknown whether MSCs enhance dental pulp regeneration or whether this enhancement is mediated by sEVs in a mild inflammatory environment. The present study aimed to elucidate the effects of sEVs originated from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-preconditioned human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) on dental pulp regeneration.MethodsAll sEVs were isolated from hDPSCs cultured with or without LPS (ie, N-sEVs and L-sEVs, respectively). The effect of N-sEVs and L-sEVs on proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and differentiation of rat bone marrow MSCs was identified in vitro. Moreover, N-sEVs or L-sEVs were implanted into rat pulpless root canal models, and the regenerated tissue in root canals was assessed via hematoxylin-eosin staining, Masson staining, and immunohistochemistry after 30 days of transplantation.ResultsBoth N-sEVs and L-sEVs could modulate BMSC proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and differentiation. Both kinds of sEVs enhanced the structure of the regenerated tissue closer to that of a normal dental pulp in vivo. L-sEVs had a more significant effect than N-sEVs.ConclusionssEVs released by hDPSCs in a mild inflammatory microenvironment are capable of facilitating the regeneration of dental pulp through functional healing instead of scar healing, which has potential applications in regenerative endodontics.     

Leptin Receptor Is Up-regulated in Inflamed Human Dental Pulp

Introduction

After leptin receptor (LEPR) identification in hematopoietic, immune system, and other tissues, a role for leptin regulating inflammation and immune response has been accepted. This study aims to describe the possible expression of LEPR in healthy human dental pulp and to compare it with LEPR expression in inflamed human dental pulp.

Methods

Twenty-one pulp samples were obtained from freshly extracted caries-free and restoration-free human third molars. In 7 third molars (inflamed pulp group), inflammation was experimentally induced before extraction. Pulp samples were processed, and LEPR expression was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and the amount of LEPR protein was analyzed by immunoblot.

Results

All healthy and inflamed dental pulp samples expressed LEPR. Western blot analysis of human dental pulp revealed the presence of a protein with an apparent molecular weight of approximately 120 kDa, which corresponds to the estimated molecular weight of LEPR. The expression of LEPR mRNA was confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis, and the size of the amplified fragment (338 base pairs for LEPR and 194 base pairs for cyclophilin) was assessed by agarose gel electrophoresis. The relative amount of LEPR in inflamed pulps was approximately 50% higher than in healthy pulps (P < .05).

Conclusions

The presence of LEPR in human dental pulp tissues has been demonstrated for the first time. The up-regulation of LEPR expression in inflamed pulp samples suggests that leptin can play a role in inflammatory and local immune responses in human dental pulp.     

人牙髓干细胞体外分选分化的初步实验研究

目的 体外培养人牙髓细胞,分选牙髓干细胞并诱导其分化.方法 选择因正畸目的 而拔除的健康完整双尖牙,酶消化法进行牙髓细胞培养,并进行来源鉴定.单抗Stro-1标记牙髓干细胞、免疫磁珠分选系统进行分选.矿化液定向诱导分选后的牙髓十细胞,比较诱导前后Stro-1染色及改良Gomori钙钴法染色检测碱性磷酸酶(ALP)的改变.结果 体外培养人牙髓细胞呈成纤维细胞样,抗波形丝蛋白染色阳性,抗角蛋白染色阴性.牙髓干细胞Stro-1检测阳性,牙髓细胞中干细胞附性率约为10%.矿化诱导后细胞Stro-1阴性、ALP阳性表达.结论 采用免疫磁珠分选系统分离出人牙髓干细胞,初步验证干细胞分化潜能,为其后续生物学特性研究提供实验基础.     

人牙髓干细胞的体外培养和鉴定

目的　研究第三恒磨牙来源的人牙髓干细胞的表型和生物学性状。方法　从成人健康阻生牙中获取牙髓,酶消化法分离获得牙髓干细胞,计算细胞克隆形成率(CFU-F);免疫组化、RT-PCR法检测细胞的表面分子表达; 流式细胞仪测定细胞周期;体外分化诱导实验检测细胞的多向分化能力。结果　分离获得的牙髓干细胞在体外具有一定的克隆形成能力,诱导条件下部分牙髓干细胞可向脂肪、肌细胞和成牙本质细胞方向分化,符合干细胞的特征。结论　成功的从人第三恒磨牙牙髓中分离得到牙髓干细胞。     

人牙髓干细胞体外分选分化的初步实验研究

目的体外培养人牙髓细胞,分选牙髓干细胞并诱导其分化。方法选择因正畸目的而拔除的健康完整双尖牙,酶消化法进行牙髓细胞培养,并进行来源鉴定。单抗Stro-1标记牙髓干细胞、免疫磁珠分选系统进行分选。矿化液定向诱导分选后的牙髓干细胞,比较诱导前后stro-1染色及改良Gomori钙钴法染色检测碱性磷酸酶（ALP）的改变。结果体外培养人牙髓细胞呈成纤维细胞样,抗波形丝蛋白染色阳性,抗角蛋白染色阴性。牙髓干细胞Stro-1检测阳性,牙髓细胞中干细胞阳性率约为10％。矿化诱导后细胞stro-1阴性、ALP阳性表达。结论采用免疫磁珠分选系统分离出人牙髓干细胞,初步验证干细胞分化潜能,为其后续生物学特性研究提供实验基础。     

正常人牙髓中血红素氧合酶-1的免疫组化研究

研究血红素氧合酶-1(HO-1)在正常人牙髓组织中的表达,探讨其分布与功能的关系。方法临床因阻生或正畸拔除的健康第三磨牙或前磨牙的牙髓,用免疫组织化学SABC法进行染色,检测HO-1在牙髓组织中的表达情况。结果 HO-1在牙髓血管内皮细胞和成牙本质细胞呈现阳性表达,在部分牙髓成纤维细胞和幼稚牙髓细胞中呈阳性或弱阳性表达。结论提示HO-1在牙髓血流调控、牙本质形成及牙髓细胞代谢和分化中可能起一定的作用。     

SHH和bFGF体外诱导人牙髓干细胞向神经细胞分化的研究

目的：研究体外使用音猬因子（SHH）、碱性成纤维生长因子（bFGF）体外诱导人牙髓干细胞（DPSCs）分化为神经细胞的可行性,以优化人牙髓干细胞向神经细胞分化的诱导条件。方法：从因正畸或阻生拔除的第一前磨牙或第三磨牙中提取牙髓,采用酶消化及过滤法得到单细胞悬液,有限稀释法培养分离的原代人牙髓干细胞,并进行克隆化培养,检测间充质干细胞特异性标志物STRO-1的表达。将人牙髓干细胞分别接种于含有不同浓度诱导液,MTT法检测不同时间、两种因子单独或联合对细胞增殖能力的影;免疫荧光法检测抗微管相关蛋白（MAP-2）、神经元烯醇化酶（NSE）、胶质原纤维酸性蛋白（GFAP）的表达。透射电镜观察诱导前后细胞超微结构。结果：克隆来源细胞的间充质干细胞特异性标志物STRO-1表达阳性。100μg/L音猬因子SHH与20μg/L碱性成纤维生长因子bFGF单独作用促增殖作用最强（P〈0.05）,碱性成纤维生长因子bFGF单独作用各组及对照组均未检测出神经元样细胞。音猬因子SHH作用各组检测到阳性细胞。而100μg/L音猬因子SHH与20μg/L碱性成纤维生长因子bFGF联合增殖和分化作用均优于其它组。透射电镜观察到神经元样细胞表现。结论：100μg/L音猬因子和20μg/L碱性成纤维生长因子联合可以在体外有效诱导人牙髓干细胞分化为神经细胞。     

Lysophosphatidic Acid Rescues Human Dental Pulp Cells from Ischemia-induced Apoptosis

Introduction

Dental pulp is particularly susceptible to ischemic conditions (hypoxia and serum deprived) because it is commonly exposed to trauma, inflammation, chronic caries injury, and pulpitis. We investigated the apoptotic response of human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) to varying levels of oxygen and serum to mimic different degrees of ischemia, tested whether lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) could reverse ischemia-induced apoptosis, and investigated the possible mechanisms of LPA.

Methods

HDPCs were cultured under conditions mimicking serum deprivation and ischemia for 2 days with or without LPA at 25 μg/mL. Flow cytometry and JC-1 fluorescence were used to detect any apoptotic change. Western blotting was used to measure the expression of the apoptosis regulators B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bax, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), Src, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and Akt.

Results

Flow cytometry and JC-1 immunofluorescence showed that ischemia could induce apoptosis of HDPCs in 2 days and treatment with LPA could reduce cell death significantly. To clarify the molecular mechanisms, Western blot results showed up-regulation of both proapoptotic Bax and antiapoptotic Bcl-2 during apoptosis. LPA functioned as an antiapoptotic cytokine by activation of the phosphorylation of FAK and ERK. No statistically significant difference was found in the activation levels of p-Src or p-Akt.

Conclusions

A self-defense mechanism functioned during cell apoptosis. LPA could effectively rescue HDPCs from ischemia-induced apoptosis via regulation of Bax and Bcl-2 and the activation of phosphorylated FAK and phosphorylated ERK. LPA is a potent candidate for biological therapy of chronic pulpal inflammatory diseases.     

硅酸钙生物陶瓷对牙髓细胞体外增殖分化的影响

目的:应用硅酸钙(CaSiO3,CS)生物陶瓷作用于人牙髓细胞(human dental pulp cells,hDPCs),研究其对hDPCs增殖及向成牙本质细胞方向分化的影响。方法:从年轻健康患者(18²0岁)拔除的智齿或前磨牙牙髓组织中获取hDPCs进行培养。将质量浓度为0.2 g/mL的CS浸提液按1/2、1/4、1/8、1/16、1/32、1/64和1/128倍比稀释后作用于hDPCs。MTT实验检测不同质量浓度CS浸提液对hDPCs增殖的影响,进而筛选出最佳浓度。以最佳质量浓度(1/64倍比稀释)CS浸提液培养hDPCs 2、4 d后,Real-Time PCR检测以下hDPCs成牙本质相关基因的表达:牙本质涎磷蛋白(dentin sialophosphoprotein,DSPP)、牙本质基质蛋白-1(dentin matrix protein 1,DMP-1),Ⅰ型胶原(collagen typeⅠ,COL-Ⅰ)、骨钙蛋白(osteocalcin,OCN)、骨桥蛋白(osteopontin,OPN);培养7、14 d后碱性磷酸酶(alkaline phosphatase,ALP)染色及半定量检测ALP活性。结果:最佳质量浓度(1/64倍比稀释)CS浸提液能够促进hDPCs的增殖,对牙髓细胞DSPP、DMP-1、COL-1、OPN等成牙本质相关基因的表达有较为明显的促进作用。ALP染色及半定量分析显示该浓度的CS浸提液能够提高hDPCs分泌ALP的活性。结论:最佳质量浓度(1/64倍比稀释)CS浸提液能够明显促进hDPCs的增殖,提高成牙本质相关基因的表达,进而促进hDPCs向成牙本质细胞方向分化,为后期hDPCs结合CS支架材料进行牙本质再生的研究打下基础。     

Hydrogen Peroxide Induces Apoptosis in Human Dental Pulp Cells via Caspase-9 Dependent Pathway

Introduction

Reactive oxygen species are a group of metabolic intermediates produced during oxidative metabolism in eukaryotic cells. They include superoxide anion (O₂⁻), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), hydroxyl radical (·OH), and ¹O₂. Of these intermediates, H₂O₂ is the most stable. Dental pulp cells can be invaded by tooth bleaching, laser radiation, and dental materials. This can influence the intracellular level of reactive oxygen species. Apoptosis, which is the best-known form of programmed cell death, is pivotal to tissue development and regeneration. Little information is available regarding the relationship between H₂O₂ and apoptosis of human dental pulp cells (hDPCs). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether H₂O₂ can induce apoptosis in hDPCs and its signaling way.

Methods

HDPCs were obtained by using a modified tissue explant technique in vitro and cultured at 37°C, 20% O₂ (5% CO₂, 95% air) in Dulbecco modified Eagle medium. Cell viability was investigated by methyl-thiazol-tetrazolium assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by using the annexin V–fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide apoptosis assay and flow cytometry. Expression of activated caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9, and β-actin was analyzed by using Western blot.

Results

Cell viability of hDPCs decreased more in treated groups than in the control group from days 1 to 7. The relative number of apoptotic cells and the expression of activated caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9 were much higher in groups exposed to 20 and 50 μmol/L H₂O₂.

Conclusions

These results imply that low concentrations of H₂O₂ are cytotoxic to hDPCs and induce apoptosis in hDPCs in a caspase-9–dependent way.     

Evaluation of Cannabinoids on the Odonto/Osteogenesis in Human Dental Pulp Cells In Vitro

IntroductionCannabinoids possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and osteogenic effects in different cell types and tissues. The null hypothesis is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) might induce dental tissue repair and regeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of THC on human dental pulp cell (HDPC) viability and biomineralization as well as the molecular mechanism of THC-induced odonto/osteogenic differentiation of HDPCs.MethodsThe toxicity of THC on HDPCs was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The odonto/osteogenic differentiation marker genes of HDPCs were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction with or without THC treatment. HDPC biomineralization was examined by collagen synthesis and calcium nodule deposition. The molecular mechanism of THC on HDPCs was investigated by examining the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway via blocking cannabinoid receptor type 1 or 2 receptors.ResultsWe found that THC had no inhibition of HDPC vitality in the testing concentration (0–100 μmol/L). THC showed biphasic effects on HDPC proliferation. At a low dose (<5 μmol/L), THC considerably increased HDPC cell division. HDPC proliferation reduced with higher THC concentrations (>5 μmol/L). The expression of odonto/osteogenic marker genes were up-regulated in the presence of cannabinoids. These were confirmed by increased collagen synthesis and mineralized calcium nodule formation in the cannabinoid group. The effect of THC-induced odonto/osteogenesis occurred via MAPK signaling.ConclusionsTHC was biocompatible to HDPCs by promoting their mitogenic division in a biphasic pattern depending on the concentration. THC induced HDPC odonto/osteogenic differentiation through the activation of MAPK mediated by CB1 and CB2 receptors. Cannabinoids may play an important role in the HDPC regeneration process and potentially be used as a pulp-capping agent.     

Cell Wall Mannan of Candida Attenuates Osteogenic Differentiation by Human Dental Pulp Cells

IntroductionCandida spp. has recently been introduced to interact with conventional carious bacteria, leading to dental caries progression and virulence ability. Evidence regarding the influence of Candida spp. on human dental pulp cell response remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Candida albicans mannans on cytotoxicity, cell proliferation, osteogenic differentiation, and inflammatory-related gene expression in human dental pulp cells (hDPCs).MethodshDPCs were treated with cell wall mannans isolated from C. albicans, Candida krusei, Candida glabrata, Candida tropocalis, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida dubliniensis. Cell viability was performed using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay. Osteogenic differentiation– and inflammatory-related gene expression were determined using a real-time polymerase chain reaction. Mineralization was examined using alizarin red S staining.ResultsThe treatment of mannans isolated from C. albicans, C. krusei, C. glabrata, C. tropocalis, C. parapsilosis, and C. dubliniensis at concentrations ranging from 10–100 μg/mL did not affect cytotoxicity or cell proliferation. Mannans isolated from C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. tropocalis significantly attenuated mineralization. However, cell wall mannans isolated from C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, and C. dubliniensis did not significantly influence mineral deposition in hDPCs. C. albicans cell wall mannans significantly attenuated osteogenic differentiation–related gene expression (RUNX2, ALP, and ENPP1). Interestingly, IL12 messenger RNA expression was significantly upregulated when treated with C. albicans cell wall mannans. The addition of recombinant IL12 significantly decreased mineralization in hDPCs.ConclusionsC. albicans cell wall mannans attenuated osteogenic differentiation in hDPCs and up-regulated inflammatory-related gene IL12 expression.     

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Human Inflamed Dental Pulp Exhibit Impaired Immunomodulatory Capacity In Vitro

IntroductionDental pulp stem cells (DPSC) are very attractive in regenerative medicine. In this study, we focused on the characterization of the functional properties of mesenchymal stem cells derived from DPSCs. Currently, it is unknown whether inflammatory conditions present in an inflamed dental pulp tissue could alter the immunomodulatory properties of DPSCs. This study aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory capacity in vitro of DPSCs derived from healthy and inflamed dental pulp.MethodsDPSCs from 10 healthy and inflamed dental pulps (irreversible pulpitis) were characterized according to the minimal criteria of the International Society for Cell Therapy, proliferation, differential potential, and colony-forming units. Furthermore, the immunomodulatory capacity of DPSCs was tested on the proliferation of T lymphocytes by flow cytometry and the in vitro enzyme activity of indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase.ResultsThere were no significant differences in the DPSC characteristics and properties such as immunophenotype, tridifferentiation, colony-forming units, and proliferation of the DPSCs derived from normal and inflamed pulp tissue. Furthermore, there were significant differences in the immunomodulatory capacity of DPSCs obtained from human healthy dental pulp and with the diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis.ConclusionsOur results showed that DPSCs isolated from inflamed dental pulp showed typical characteristics of MSCs and diminished immunosuppressive capacity in vitro in comparison with MSCs derived from healthy dental pulp. Further investigation in vivo is needed to clarify the mechanism of this diminished immunosuppressive capacity.     

Viral MicroRNAs Identified in Human Dental Pulp

Introduction

MicroRNAs (miRs) are a family of noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression. They are ubiquitous among multicellular eukaryotes and are also encoded by some viruses. Upon infection, viral miRs (vmiRs) can potentially target gene expression in the host and alter the immune response. Although prior studies have reported viral infections in human pulp, the role of vmiRs in pulpal disease is yet to be explored. The purpose of this study was to examine the expression of vmiRs in normal and diseased pulps and to identify potential target genes.