Isolation and characterization of multipotent human periodontal ligament stem cells

BACKGROUND: Periodontal ligament (PDL) repair is thought to involve mesenchymal progenitor cells capable of forming fibroblasts, osteoblasts and cementoblasts. However, full characterization of PDL stem cell (SC) populations has not been achieved. OBJECTIVE: To isolate and characterize PDLSC and assess their capability to differentiate into bone, cartilage and adipose tissue. METHODS: Human PDL cells were stained for STRO-1, FACS sorted and expanded in culture. Human bone marrow SC (BMSC) served as a positive control. PDLSC and BMSC were cultured using standard conditions conducive for osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation. Osteogenic induction was assayed using alizarine red S staining and expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bone sialoprotein (BSP). Adipogenic induction was assayed using Oil Red O staining and the expression of PPAR gamma 2 (early) and LPL (late) adipogenic markers. Chondrogenic induction was assayed by collagen type II expression and toluidine blue staining. RESULTS: Human PDL tissue contains about 27% STRO-1 positive cells with 3% strongly positive. In osteogenic cultures ALP was observed by day-7 in BMSC and day-14 in PDLSC. BSP expression was detectable by day-7; with more intense staining in PDLSC cultures. In adipogenic cultures both cell populations showed positive Oil Red O staining by day-25 with PPAR gamma 2 and LPL expression. By day-21, both BMSC and PDLSC chondrogenic induced cultures expressed collagen type II and glycosaminoglycans. CONCLUSIONS: The PDL contains SC that have the potential to differentiate into osteoblasts, chondrocytes and adipocytes, comparable with previously characterized BMSC. This adult PDLSC population can be utilized for potential therapeutic procedures related to PDL regeneration.     

Enhanced adipogenic differentiation and reduced collagen synthesis induced by human periodontal ligament stem cells might underlie the negative effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 on periodontal regeneration

Song D‐S, Park J‐C, Jung I‐H, Choi S‐H, Cho K‐S, Kim C‐K, Kim C‐S. Enhanced adipogenic differentiation and reduced collagen synthesis induced by human periodontal ligament stem cells might underlie the negative effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 on periodontal regeneration. J Periodont Res 2011; 46: 193–203. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S Background and Objective: Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) is a potent inducer for the regeneration of mineralized tissue, but has a limited effect on the regeneration of cementum and periodontal ligament (PDL). The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of rhBMP‐2 on the in vitro and in vivo biologic activity of well‐characterized human PDL stem cells (hPDLSCs) and to elucidate the underlying mechanism of minimal periodontal regeneration by rhBMP‐2. Material and Methods: hPDLSCs were isolated and cultured, and then transplanted into an ectopic subcutaneous mouse model using a carrier treated either with or without rhBMP‐2. Comprehensive histologic, histometric and immunohistochemical analyses were performed after an 8‐wk healing period. The effects of rhBMP‐2 on the adipogenic and osteogenic/cementogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs were also evaluated. The effect of rhBMP‐2 on both soluble and insoluble collagen synthesis was analyzed, and the expression of mRNA and protein for collagen types I, II, III and V was assessed. Results: In the present study, rhBMP‐2 promoted both adipogenic and osteogenic/cementogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs in vitro, and the in vivo potential of hPDLSCs to form mineralized cementum and organized PDL tissue was down‐regulated following treatment with rhBMP‐2. Collagen synthesis, which plays a crucial role in the regeneration of cementum and the periodontal attachment, was significantly reduced, with associated modification of the relevant mRNA and protein expression profiles. Conclusion: In summary, the findings of the present study suggest that enhanced adipogenic differentiation and inhibition of collagen synthesis by hPDLSCs appear to be partly responsible for the minimal effect of rhBMP‐2 on cementum and PDL tissue regeneration by hPDLSCs.     

Effect of humoral factors from hPDLSCs on the biologic activity of hABCs

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 537–547 Objective: The human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) and human alveolar bone–derived stromal cells (hABCs) seem to be closely involved in the maintenance of alveolar bone in an anatomically indirect manner; however, there is little study on this matter. Therefore, the effect of hPDLSCs on the osteoclastogenic, osteogenic, and adipogenic differentiation of hABCs was evaluated, focusing on the humoral factors released by hPDLSCs. Materials and methods: Human periodontal ligament stem cells and hABCs were isolated and characterized. hPDLSCs were indirectly cocultured to observe the in vitro effect of humoral factors released from hPDLSCs on the osteoclastogenic, osteogenic, and adipogenic differentiation of hABCs. Human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) were utilized as positive control. Results: Isolated cells demonstrated the presence of stem cells within. Indirect coculture of hPDLSCs greatly inhibited osteoclastogenesis by hABCs. Osteogenesis/adipogenesis of hABCs was also inhibited by indirect coculture with hPDLSC. The magnitude of regulatory effect from hPDLSCs was significantly greater than that of hGFs. Conclusions: Humoral factors released from hPDLSCs seemed to modulate the differentiation of hABCs, and the osteoclastogenic, osteogenic, and adipogenic differentiation of hABCs was all inhibited, suggesting the potential role of hPDLSCs in the maintenance of the alveolar bone.     

Optimal Medium Formulation for the Long‐Term Expansion and Maintenance of Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells

Background: Human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) are promising mesenchymal stem cells that are readily accessible. However, there is as yet no consensus as to the optimal culture medium for hPDLSCs. Thus, the purpose of the present study is to determine the optimal culture medium for long‐term expansion of hPDLSCs. Methods: hPDLSCs were isolated from healthy third molars, and the most widely used medium formulations in previous studies were used: 1) an α minimum essential medium–based medium formulation (MBM); and 2) a Dulbecco's minimum essential medium‐based medium formulation. Passage 5 (P5) and P8 were evaluated with the two media for cell proliferation, differentiation, and immunophenotype. Results: hPDLSCs that were primarily cultured in MBM were far more proliferated than those grown in DBM. In general, application of the MBM for longer periods produced greater cell growth and osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, MBM‐precultured hPDLSCs exhibited a greater degree of cell proliferation and a greater production of mineralized tissue and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in vitro, although the levels of both were dependent on the culture medium used. With respect to long‐term expansion, the P5 hPDLSCs grew and produced the largest amount of mineralized nodules faster than the P8 hPDLSCs, but both passages exhibited a similar phenotype for stemness and ALP activity. Conclusion: The present study indicates that the inherent capacity of hPDLSCs could be maintained until a later passage, P8 in MBM, and MBM appears to be an optimal choice for manipulating the finest and most stable hPDLSCs.     

Establishing a technique for isolation and characterization of human periodontal ligament derived mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are extensively used in tissue regenerative procedures. One source of MSCs is the periodontal ligament (PDL) of teeth. Isolation of MSCs from extracted teeth is reasonably simple, being less invasive and presenting fewer ethical concerns than does the harvesting of MSC’s from other sites. The objectives of this study were to isolate and characterize the PDL stem cells (PDLSC) from healthy adults’ extracted teeth and then to characterize them by comparing them with bone-marrow derived MSCs (BMMSC).MethodsThe PDL tissue was scraped from the roots of freshly extracted teeth to enzymatically digest using collagenase. The cells were sub-cultured. Flow-cytometric analysis for the MSC surface-markers CD105, CD73, CD166, CD90, CD34, CD45 and HLA-DR was performed. To confirm the phenotype, total RNA was extracted to synthesize cDNA and which was then subjected to RT-PCR. The gene-expression for Oct4A, Sox2, NANOG and GAPDH was determined by gel-electrophoresis. To assess their multilineage potential, cells were cultured with osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic medium and then stained by Alizarin-red, Alcian-blue and Oil-Red-O respectively. MSCs from the bone-marrow were processed similarly to serve as controls.ResultsThe cells isolated from extracted teeth expanded successfully. On flow-cytometric analysis, the cells were positive for CD73, CD90, CD105, CD166 and negative for CD34, CD45 and HLA-DR. The PDLSCs expressed Oct4A, Sox2, and NANOG mRNA with GAPDH expression. Cells cultured in the osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic media stained positive for Alizarin-red, Alcian-blue and Oil- Red-O respectively. The surface marker expression and the trilineage differentiation characteristics were comparable to those of the BMMSCs.ConclusionsThe periodontal ligament tissue of extracted teeth is a potential source of therapeutically useful MSCs. Harvesting them is not invasive and are a promising source of MSC as the PDLSCs showed characteristics similar to those of the highly regarded MSC’s derived from bone-marrow.     

基质细胞衍生因子-1对炎症和正常来源的 人牙周膜干细胞成骨分化能力的影响

目的 通过体外培养炎症来源的人牙周膜干细胞（iPDLSCs）和正常来源的人牙周膜干细胞（hPDLSCs）,比较基质细胞衍生因子-1（SDF-1）对于两种来源细胞的成骨分化作用。方法 采用组织块酶消化法原代培养iPDLSCs 和hPDLSCs,经有限稀释法纯化,通过流式细胞仪对干细胞表面标记物检测鉴定后,对其进行成骨诱导;MTT法检测并比较SDF-1对两种来源的细胞增殖能力的影响;茜素红染色检测SDF-1作用于两种来源的细胞后钙化骨量的表达;碱性磷酸酶法比较SDF-1作用于两者的成骨分化能力;逆转录聚合酶链反应（RT-PCR）法检测SDF-1作用于两种牙周膜干细胞前后成骨相关基因表达水平的变化。结果 两种来源的牙周膜细胞经纯化后均阳性表达干细胞标记物。hPDLSCs较iPDLSCs增殖能力高;两种细胞经SDF-1成骨诱导培养后,成骨相关基因的表达水平均较诱导前明显上调（P<0.05）,SDF-1在50、200 ng·mL ^-1时分别对iPDLSCs和hPDLSCs细胞成骨分化作用最明显（P<0.05）。结论 正常来源和炎症来源的人牙周膜干细胞均具有成骨分化能力,SDF-1可增强两种来源的牙周膜干细胞的成骨分化能力。     

Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells Possess the Characteristics of Pericytes

Background: Periodontal ligament (PDL) contributes to maintaining homeostasis in periodontal tissues by supplying stem/progenitor cells. It has long been suggested that PDL stem cells/progenitors are located around blood vessels. Recently mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been isolated and cultured from PDL in vitro, although the location of the stem cells in PDL is unclear. The purpose of this study is to test the characteristics of human PDL stem cells (PDLSCs) and examine their similarity to related vascular cell types, such as pericytes and endothelial cells. Methods: PDLSCs were obtained from healthy extracted teeth using the collagenase/dispase enzyme digestion method. MSC and pericyte characteristics of PDLSCs were examined by cell surface marker expression using flow cytometry. The expression of pericyte markers was tested using immunohistochemistry. Pericyte‐like functions of PDLSCs were examined in co‐culture of PDLSCs and umbilical vein endothelial cells on a gel matrix. Results: Cultured PDLSCs were positive for both MSC markers and pericyte markers, including cluster of differentiation 146 (CD146), neural/glial antigen 2 (NG2), and CD140b. When pericyte marker expression was explored in rat periodontal tissue sections, CD146‐ and NG2‐positive signals were observed in the perivascular area of the PDL. Further, when the cells were cultured with human umbilical cord endothelial cells under conditions for forming capillary‐like structures in vitro, PDLSCs localized adjacent to endothelial cells and contributed to the stability of the capillary‐like structure. Conclusions: PDLSCs possess pericyte‐like characteristics and may localize as pericytes in the PDL. These data provide useful information for stem cell biology in periodontal research and stem cell–based periodontal therapy.     

基质细胞衍生因子-1对炎症和正常来源的人牙周膜干细胞成骨分化能力的影响

目的 通过体外培养炎症来源的人牙周膜干细胞（iPDLSCs）和正常来源的人牙周膜干细胞（hPDLSCs）,比较基质细胞衍生因子-1（SDF-1）对于两种来源细胞的成骨分化作用。方法 采用组织块酶消化法原代培养iPDLSCs 和hPDLSCs,经有限稀释法纯化,通过流式细胞仪对干细胞表面标记物检测鉴定后,对其进行成骨诱导;MTT法检测并比较SDF-1对两种来源的细胞增殖能力的影响;茜素红染色检测SDF-1作用于两种来源的细胞后钙化骨量的表达;碱性磷酸酶法比较SDF-1作用于两者的成骨分化能力;逆转录聚合酶链反应（RT-PCR）法检测SDF-1作用于两种牙周膜干细胞前后成骨相关基因表达水平的变化。结果 两种来源的牙周膜细胞经纯化后均阳性表达干细胞标记物。hPDLSCs较iPDLSCs增殖能力高;两种细胞经SDF-1成骨诱导培养后,成骨相关基因的表达水平均较诱导前明显上调（P<0.05）,SDF-1在50、200 ng·mL ^-1时分别对iPDLSCs和hPDLSCs细胞成骨分化作用最明显（P<0.05）。结论 正常来源和炎症来源的人牙周膜干细胞均具有成骨分化能力,SDF-1可增强两种来源的牙周膜干细胞的成骨分化能力。     

生长因子诱导间充质干细胞三维体外软骨形成的研究进展

间充质干细胞软骨向分化的潜能已被广泛研究,并且已经表明这些干细胞的软骨形成潜能彼此不同。通常,软骨诱导最常见的生长因子来自转化生长因子(TGF)-β超家族。对文献的全面回顾表明,在含有地塞米松和TGF-β3的培养基中,三维培养中的间充质干细胞似乎表现出较高的软骨形成潜力。一些报道还表明加入TGF-β1、TGF-β2和TGF-β3,骨形态发生蛋白(BMP)-2、BMP-4、BMP-6、BMP-7和BMP-9,以及其他类型的细胞因子如成纤维细胞生长因子-2、糖皮质激素、胰岛素样生长因子-1等,也促进间充质干细胞软骨形成分化,但这些结果仍未得到一致支持。然而,迄今为止,目前的制剂并不是总会诱导间充质干细胞向成软骨稳定分化。本文综述了多种生长因子单独和组合对间充质干细胞三维体外软骨向分化影响的研究。     

Stimulation of Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells by Dentin Matrix Protein 1 Activates Mitogen‐Activated Protein Kinase and Osteoblast Differentiation

Background: Periodontitis can ultimately result in tooth loss. Many natural and synthetic materials have been tried to achieve periodontal regeneration, but the results remain variable and unpredictable. We hypothesized that exogenous treatment with dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) activates specific genes and results in phenotypic and functional changes in human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs). Methods: hPDLSCs were isolated from extracted teeth and cultured in the presence or absence of DMP1. Quantitative polymerase chain reactions were performed to analyze the expression of several genes involved in periodontal regeneration. hPDLSCs were also processed for immunocytochemical and Western blot analysis using phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (pERK) and ERK antibodies. Alkaline phosphatase and von Kossa staining were performed to characterize the differentiation of hPDLSCs into osteoblasts. Field emission scanning electron microscopic analysis of the treated and control cell cultures were also performed. Results: Treatment with DMP1 resulted in the upregulation of genes, such as matrix metalloproteinase‐2, alkaline phosphatase, and transforming growth factor β1. Activation of ERK mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway and translocation of pERK from the cytoplasm to the nucleus was observed. Overall, DMP1‐treated cells showed increased expression of alkaline phosphatase, increased matrix, and mineralized nodule formation when compared with untreated controls. Conclusion: DMP1 can orchestrate a coordinated expression of genes and phenotypic changes in hPDLSCs by activation of the ERK signaling pathway, which may provide a valuable strategy for tissue engineering approaches in periodontal regeneration.     

淫羊藿苷促进人牙周膜干细胞增殖及骨向分化的作用

目的 采用体外和体内方法研究淫羊藿苷（ICA）对人牙周膜干细胞（hPDLSCs）增殖及骨向分化的影响。方法 采用体外酶消化组织块法培养hPDLSCs,有限稀释克隆法分离纯化,检测细胞表面标志物以进行鉴定。体外实验：hPDLSCs与1×10-7 mol•L-1 ICA共同培养,用四甲基偶氮唑盐法检测其增殖情况,经碱性磷酸酶（ALP）染色后采用酶联免疫仪检测其骨向分化情况,逆转录聚合酶链反应（RT-PCR）检测其成骨基因的表达情况,茜素红染色检测其骨量表达。体内实验：将hPDLSCs和纳米羟磷灰石（nHAC）复合物经1×10-7 mol•L-1 ICA共同诱导培养后,将其植入免疫缺陷小鼠,术后30 d采用组织切片法观察成骨状况。结果 体外实验：1×10-7 mol•L-1 ICA作用于hPDLSCs后,与不含ICA的对照组相比,实验组从培养的第2天开始,hPDLSCs增殖明显;培养3、5、7 d,实验组ALP活性明显升高;培养7 d,成骨基因的相对表达量明显增高;培养14、21、28 d,实验组钙化结节的面积明显大于对照组。体内实验：实验组骨量较对照组明显增加。结论 1×10-7 mol•L-1 ICA可以促进hPDLSCs的增殖及骨向分化,提示采用ICA代替常规生长因子应用于牙周组织工程具有一定可行性。     

过表达甲基转移酶样3修复炎症来源牙周膜干细胞的成骨能力

目的探讨N⁶-甲基腺嘌呤（m⁶A）修饰与甲基转移酶样3（METTL3）在牙周膜干细胞（PDLSC）成骨分化和成脂分化中的作用。 方法使用流式细胞术、细胞集落形成实验分别鉴定PDLSC的表面标志物和增殖能力。通过茜素红染色和油红O染色分别检测PDLSC的成骨和成脂分化潜能。在人牙周膜干细胞（hPDLSC）和炎症来源牙周膜干细胞（pPDLSC）中分别构建METTL3过表达和敲低模型,成骨诱导一定时间,通过实时定量反转录聚合酶链反应（RT-PCR）、蛋白免疫印迹（Western blot）、茜素红染色和油红O染色分别在mRNA水平、蛋白水平和宏观水平检测成骨和成脂的变化。两样本比较使用独立样本t检验,多组样本比较使用单因素方差分析。 结果（1）流式细胞术结果显示,hPDLSC和pPDLSC均阳性表达CD29（100.0%,98.0%）、CD105（100.0%,99.5%）和CD146（31.5%,17.8%）,阴性表达CD34（1.3%,0.4%）和CD45（1.4%,0.4%）。（2）细胞集落形成实验结果显示,hPDLSC和pPDLSC的集落形成数量分别为55±5和72±8,hPDLSC的细胞增殖能力较pPDLSC低（t = 3.16,P = 0.034）。（3）茜素红染色和油红O染色说明,两种细胞均具有成骨和成脂分化能力,hPDLSC具有更强的成骨分化能力（t = 27.77,P<0.001）,而pPDLSC具有更强的成脂分化能力（t = 5.02,P = 0.007）。（4）成骨诱导培养7 d后的慢病毒转染模型中,METTL3过表达组比过表达对照组的成骨关键基因Runx2的mRNA表达水平高,在hPDLSC和pPDLSC中的METTL3过表达组的表达量是3.63 ± 1.15和1.61 ± 0.38,分别是其过表达对照组的3.39倍（t = 3.777,P = 0.020）和1.71倍（t = 2.948,P = 0.042）;而在METTL3敲低组较敲低对照组低,在hPDLSC和pPDLSC中的METTL3敲低组的表达量是0.16 ± 0.03和0.26 ± 0.07,分别是其敲低对照组的0.15倍（t = 9.669,P<0.001）和0.26倍（t = 8.767,P<0.001）。同样地,Runx2的蛋白表达水平也发生相同改变。将转染后的细胞进行21 d的成骨诱导培养后进行茜素红染色,结果显示METTL3过表达组较过表达对照组染色深且钙化结节较大,定量分析结果显示在hPDLSC和pPDLSC中的METTL3过表达组是28.47% ± 3.82%和8.55% ± 0.43%,分别是其过表达对照组的1.78倍（t = 5.012,P = 0.007）和1.76倍（t = 7.293,P = 0.002）,而在METTL3敲低组较敲低对照组染色浅且钙化结节较小,定量分析结果显示在hPDLSC和pPDLSC中的METTL3敲低组是6.36% ± 2.00%和3.78% ± 0.56%,分别是其敲低对照组的0.35倍（t = 4.444,P = 0.011）和0.43倍（t = 5.337,P = 0.006）;将转染后的细胞进行21 d的成脂诱导培养,再进行油红O染色,结果显示脂滴的大小及数量在METTL3过表达组较过表达对照组少,定量分析结果显示在hPDLSC和pPDLSC中的METTL3过表达组是0.89% ± 0.11%和1.10% ± 1.15%,分别是其过表达对照组的0.24倍（t = 5.454,P = 0.006）和0.49倍（t = 2.935,P = 0.043）,而在METTL3敲低组则比敲低对照组的脂滴更大且多,定量分析结果显示在hPDLSC和pPDLSC中的METTL3敲低组是3.60% ± 1.08%和5.34% ± 1.31%,分别是其敲低对照组的1.94倍（t = 2.794,P = 0.049）和2.93倍（t = 4.131,P = 0.015）。 结论pPDLSC的METTL3表达水平低于hPDLSC;METTL3的过表达可促进hPDLSC和pPDLSC的成骨分化,并抑制两者的成脂分化。     

Effect of leptin on differentiation of human dental stem cells

Oral Diseases (2011) 17 , 662–669 Objectives: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were identified in adult human periodontal ligament and dental pulp that are considered as potential stem cell sources for future clinical applications in dentistry. Leptin is known as an important regulator of mesenchymal differentiation. The objective of this study was to elucidate the role of leptin on proliferation and differentiation of dental MSCs. Materials and methods: Enhancement of cemento/odontoblastic differentiation of dental stem cells by leptin was confirmed by alizarin red S staining and alkaline phosphatase activity staining. In contrast, leptin reduced adipogenesis in both dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) confirmed by oil red O staining and RT‐PCR. The expression of adipogenic markers, lipoprotein lipase and proliferator‐activated receptor γ2 (PPARγ2), were suppressed in PDLSCs incubated on media supplemented with leptin for 2 weeks. Results: Leptin had a relatively stronger osteogenesis promoting effect and adipogenesis suppressing effect in PDLSCs than in DPSCs. Conclusions: Collectively, leptin had a relatively stronger promoting effect on cemento/odontoblastic differentiation and a suppressing effect on adipogenesis in PDLSCs than in DPSCs. This study has provided evidence that leptin acts as an important modulator of dental MSCs differentiation.     

Participation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1/2 in osteoblast and adipocyte differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells grown on titanium surfaces

Osteoblasts and adipocytes coexist in the implantation site and affect the process of titanium (Ti) osseointegration. As extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) are involved in osteogenesis and adipogenesis, the aim of our study was to investigate if the effects of Ti surface topography on osteoblast and adipocyte differentiation are modulated by ERK1/2. The experiments were conducted based on the effect of the ERK1/2 inhibitor, PD98059, on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) grown under osteogenic and adipogenic conditions on Ti with nanotopography (Ti‐Nano) or on machined Ti (Ti‐Machined). The results showed that, in general, ERK1/2 inhibition favored osteoblast and adipocyte differentiation of MSCs grown on Ti‐Machined. In MSCs grown on Ti‐Nano, ERK1/2 inhibition upregulated the expression of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin and reduced extracellular matrix mineralization. In terms of adipocyte differentiation, ERK1/2 inhibition elicited similar MSC responses to Ti‐Nano and Ti‐Machined, upregulating gene expression of adipocyte markers without affecting lipid accumulation. Our results indicate that, under osteogenic and adipogenic conditions, the responses of MSCs to Ti surface topography in terms of osteogenesis and adipogenesis are dependent on ERK1/2. Thus, a precise modulation of ERK1/2 expression and activity induced by surface topography could be a good strategy to drive the process of implant osseointegration.     

The dynamic healing profile of human periodontal ligament stem cells: histological and immunohistochemical analysis using an ectopic transplantation model

Kim Y‐T, Park J‐C, Choi S‐H, Cho K‐S, Im G‐I, Kim B‐S, Kim C‐S. The dynamic healing profile of human periodontal ligament stem cells: histological and immunohistochemical analysis using an ectopic transplantation model. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 514–524. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S Background and Objective: Human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) have been reported to play the pivotal role in periodontal regeneration. However, the dynamic cellular healing process initiated by hPDLSCs still remains to be elucidated. In the present study, the sequence of regeneration by hPDLSCs was assessed using histological and immunohistochemical observation in an ectopic transplantation model, which is a well‐standardized assessment tool that excludes the innate healing factors from the animals. Material and Methods: Human periodontal ligament stem cells that were isolated and characterized from teeth (n = 12) extracted for the purpose of orthodontic treatment were transplanted with carriers into ectopic subcutaneous pouches in immunocompromised mice (n = 20). Animals were killed after several different healing periods: 3 d (n = 4), 1 (n = 4), 2 (n = 4), 4 (n = 4) and 8 wk (n = 4). Histological analysis for regenerated tissues formed by hPDLSCs was conducted using hematoxylin and eosin, Masson’s trichrome and picrosirius red staining. In addition, immunohistochemical staining was performed to observe the sequential expression of osteogenic/cementogenic and periodontal ligament tissue‐specific markers associated with periodontal regeneration. Results: The whole healing process by transplanted hPDLSCs could be broadly divided into four distinctive phases. In the first phase, proliferated hPDLSCs migrated evenly all over the carrier, and collagenous tissues appeared in the form of amorphous collagen matrices. In the second phase, collagen fibers were well arranged among the carriers, and cementoid‐like tissues were observed. In the third phase, the formation of mature collagen fibers, resembling Sharpey’s fibers, was associated with active mineralization of cementum‐like tissues, and in the fourth phase, the maturation of cementum‐like tissues was observed on carrier surfaces. Various osteogenic/cementogenic markers related to the regeneration processes were expressed in a well‐orchestrated time order. Interestingly, well‐organized cementum‐like and periodontal ligament fiber‐like tissues and cells with early and late osteogenic/cementogenic markers were frequently observed in the secluded area of carrier surfaces. We termed this area the cell‐rich zone. Conclusion: The results from this study clearly demonstrated the sequential histological changes during periodontal tissue regeneration by hPDLSCs. Understanding of this process would potentially enable us to develop better cell‐based treatment techniques.     

Aspirin Enhances Osteogenic Potential of Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells (PDLSCs) and Modulates the Expression Profile of Growth Factor–Associated Genes in PDLSCs

Background: This study investigates the effects of aspirin (ASA) on the proliferative capacity, osteogenic potential, and expression of growth factor–associated genes in periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). Methods: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from PDL tissue were isolated from human premolars (n = 3). The MSCs’ identity was confirmed by immunophenotyping and trilineage differentiation assays. Cell proliferation activity was assessed through 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Polymerase chain reaction array was used to profile the expression of 84 growth factor–associated genes. Pathway analysis was used to identify the biologic functions and canonic pathways activated by ASA treatment. The osteogenic potential was evaluated through mineralization assay. Results: ASA at 1,000 μM enhances osteogenic potential of PDLSCs. Using a fold change (FC) of 2.0 as a threshold value, the gene expression analyses indicated that 19 genes were differentially expressed, which includes 12 upregulated and seven downregulated genes. Fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), interleukin‐2, bone morphogenetic protein‐10, VEGFC, and 2 (FGF2) were markedly upregulated (FC range, 6 to 15), whereas pleotropin, FGF5, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, and Dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor 1 were markedly downregulated (FC 32). Of the 84 growth factor–associated genes screened, 35 showed high cycle threshold values (≥35). Conclusions: ASA modulates the expression of growth factor–associated genes and enhances osteogenic potential in PDLSCs. ASA upregulated the expression of genes that could activate biologic functions and canonic pathways related to cell proliferation, human embryonic stem cell pluripotency, tissue regeneration, and differentiation. These findings suggest that ASA enhances PDLSC function and may be useful in regenerative dentistry applications, particularly in the areas of periodontal health and regeneration.