Dental pulp tissue engineering with stem cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth

Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) have been isolated and characterized as multipotent cells. However, it is not known whether SHED can generate a dental pulp-like tissue in vivo. The purpose of this study was to evaluate morphologic characteristics of the tissue formed when SHED seeded in biodegradable scaffolds prepared within human tooth slices are transplanted into immunodeficient mice. We observed that the resulting tissue presented architecture and cellularity that closely resemble those of a physiologic dental pulp. Ultrastructural analysis with transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry for dentin sialoprotein suggested that SHED differentiated into odontoblast-like cells in vivo. Notably, SHED also differentiated into endothelial-like cells, as demonstrated by B-galactosidase staining of cells lining the walls of blood-containing vessels in tissues engineered with SHED stably transduced with LacZ. This work suggests that exfoliated deciduous teeth constitute a viable source of stem cells for dental pulp tissue engineering.     

小型猪乳牙牙髓干细胞体外分离培养及鉴定

目的体外分离培养小型猪乳牙牙髓干细胞,并对其进行生物学鉴定。方法采用滤纸片法挑取单克隆小型猪乳牙牙髓细胞,免疫组织化学染色检测,体外比较单克隆牙髓干细胞及混合牙髓干细胞向矿化组织、脂肪细胞、及神经细胞诱导分化能力。结果分离培养的小型猪乳牙牙髓干细胞呈集落状生长,克隆形成率2．74％。波形丝蛋白、间充质于细胞表面标志STRO-1染色阳性,神经干细胞特异性标志nestin染色阳性。矿化诱导结果显示单克隆牙髓干细胞及混合牙髓干细胞,均为Von-kossa染色阳性,ATJP表达明显,两者无明著差异。单克隆牙髓干细胞及混合牙髓干细胞经IBMX、胰岛素、消炎痛和氢化可的松诱导3周后,可分化为脂肪细胞,两者成脂率均较低。单克隆乳牙牙髓干细胞向神经细胞诱导分化后免疫荧光鉴定β-tubulin III表达阳性,STRO-1表达阴性。混合牙髓干细胞无明显神经元样细胞分化。结论单克隆分离培养的小型猪乳牙牙髓干细胞具有很强的克隆形成能力及多向分化潜能,其矿化能力与混合的乳牙牙髓干细胞无明显差异。     

人乳牙牙髓干细胞和恒牙牙髓干细胞的蛋白质组学比较

目的 采用蛋白质组学方法研究人乳牙牙髓干细胞（SHED）和恒牙牙髓干细胞（DPSC）中的蛋白表达差异.方法 应用双向凝胶电泳技术分离SHED和DPSC的细胞总蛋白.通过比较两种细胞的蛋白组学图谱,确定差异表达的蛋白点,而后对差异点进行基质辅助激光解析电离飞行时间质谱分析和蛋白数据库信息检索,对差异蛋白进行功能分类.结果 建立了SHED和DPSC的蛋白质组图谱,经软件分析出45个差异蛋白点,其中26个表达上调,19个表达下调,再经质谱鉴定出48种蛋白,其生物学功能涉及细胞周期、代谢等.结论 SHED与DPSC中蛋白的差异表达体现了两种细胞在结构和功能上的异同性,为进一步研究SHED和DPSC在增殖、分化中的差异,以及牙齿相关干细胞在组织工程和再生医学研究中的应用提供参考.     

Comparative characterization of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth and dental pulp stem cells

ObjectiveThis study focused on the characterization of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) in comparison with dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) to certify SHED as a key element in tissue engineering.MethodsIn the present study, SHED and DPSCs were assayed for their cell surface antigens and proliferation by measuring the cell cycles, growth rates, Ki67-positive efficiencies, and colony-forming units (CFUs). The evaluation of multi-differentiation was performed using alizarin red and oil red O and real-time PCR in vitro. The mineralization capability of the cells was examined in vivo by implanting with ceramic bovine bone (CBB) into subcutaneous of immunocompromised mice for 8 weeks. A three-dimensional pellet cultivation system is proposed for SHED and DPSCs to recreate the biological microenvironment that is similar to that of a regenerative milieu.ResultsSHED showed a higher proliferation rate and differentiation capability in comparison with DPSCs in vitro, and the results of the in vivo transplantation suggest that SHED have a higher capability of mineralization than the DPSCs. The mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines, including matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP2) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were higher in SHED than that in DPSCs. In addition, the expression levels of Col I and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in SHED sheets were significantly higher than those in DPSCs sheets.ConclusionsThis study systematically demonstrated the differences in the growth and differentiation characteristics between SHED and DPSCs. Consequently, SHED may represent a suitable, accessible and potential alternative source for regenerative medicine and therapeutic applications.     

Differentiation of stem cells from human deciduous and permanent teeth into spiral ganglion neuron-like cells

ObjectiveStem cells from pulp tissue are a promising cell-based therapy for neurodegenerative patients based on their origin in the neural crest. The aim of this study was to differentiate and evaluate the ability of human dental pulp stem cells from permanent teeth (DPSC) and stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) to differentiate into spiral ganglion neurons.DesignAfter isolation and characterization of mesenchymal stem cell properties, DPSC and SHED were treated with the neurotrophins brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). The differentiation was identified by immunostaining and qRT-PCR analysis of neuronal markers and measuring intracellular calcium activity.ResultsAfter 2 weeks of induction, morphological changes were observed in both DPSC and SHED. The differentiated cells expressed neuron-specific class III beta-tubulin, GATA binding protein 3 (GATA3) and tropomyosin receptor kinase B, protein markers of spiral ganglion neurons. These cells also showed upregulation of the genes encoding these proteins, namely GATA3 and neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase 2. Intracellular calcium dynamics that reflect neurotransmitter release were observed in differentiated DPSC and SHED.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that dental pulp stem cells from permanent and deciduous teeth can differentiate into spiral ganglion neuron-like cells.     

人乳牙牙髓干细胞和成人牙髓干细胞研究进展

近年来,成体干细胞不断地从不同的组织中被分离出来,该类细胞具有多向分化潜能、较强的增殖能力和持久的自我更新能力,具备充当组织工程种子细胞的天然优势。2000年和2003年,研究者先后从成人牙髓组织和人乳牙牙髓组织中分离出具有干细胞特征的细胞,这两种细胞的发现对牙组织工程将产生重要的意义。现就这两种成体干细胞的研究进展做一综述,并展望其应用前景。     

乳牙牙髓干细胞体外诱导成骨细胞的实验研究

目的:体外分离、培养人乳牙牙髓干细胞,并向成骨细胞诱导.方法:采用酶消化法分离获得人乳牙牙髓干细胞,有限稀释法分离纯化,测定细胞克隆形成率,细胞计数法测定生长曲线,细胞爬片行HE染色,抗波形蛋白(Vimentin)、CD44和STRO-1免疫组化染色,并向成骨细胞诱导,行HE染色、碱性磷酸酶染色、Von Kossa染色、Van Gieson染色和抗骨钙素免疫组化染色进行鉴定.结果:通过有限稀释法获得了人乳牙牙髓干细胞,并诱导成成骨细胞,表现出与典型成骨细胞相似的形态特征和生物学特征.结论:成功从人乳牙牙髓中分离出牙髓干细胞,并诱导为成骨细胞.     

人乳牙牙周膜干细胞的生物学特性研究

目的:体外分离纯化人乳牙牙周膜组织来源的干细胞,研究其生物学特性、表面标记物及多向分化能力。方法:用酶消化法和有限稀释法对正常人乳牙牙周膜组织进行原代培养,并通过免疫细胞化学方法和流式细胞仪对其来源进行鉴定,进而从增殖能力、克隆形成能力和多向分化能力等方面对乳牙牙周膜干细胞的生物学特性进行研究。结果:分离培养获得的人乳牙牙周膜干细胞在形态上与恒牙牙周膜干细胞相似,均为长梭形成纤维细胞样;免疫细胞化学和流式细胞仪分子表型鉴定显示乳牙牙周膜干细胞阳性表达间充质来源的表面标志STRO-1,CD146,CD29和CD90,造血系来源的标志物CD34为阴性;细胞周期,MTT和克隆形成率的检测结果显示,人乳牙牙周膜干细胞的增殖能力强于恒牙牙周膜干细胞;人乳牙牙周膜干细胞在体外诱导条件下可以向骨,脂肪细胞方向分化;同时RT-PCR检测发现,矿化诱导后细胞成骨相关基因(ALP,OCN,Col I)的表达上调,成脂诱导后细胞成脂相关基因(PPAR-γ,C/EBPα)的表达上调。结论:人乳牙牙周膜中确实存在间充质来源的干细胞,并且具有较强的增殖能力和多向分化能力,为牙周组织工程种子细胞提供了新的可能来源。     

Effects of cryopreservation on the characteristics of dental pulp stem cells of intact deciduous teeth

Objectives

The aim of this study was to isolate and cultivate cells from the pulp of 7-day-cryopreserved intact deciduous human teeth and evaluate the effect of cryopreservation on dental pulp stem cell (DPSC) characteristics.

Design

Twenty-six deciduous teeth were collected and allocated in two groups: immediate cell isolation (non-cryopreserved group) and intact cryopreserved (cryopreserved group). The teeth were cryopreserved in dimethylsulfoxide solution and recovered after 7 days. The success rate of isolation, proliferation, surface markers (CD14, CD29, CD34, CD45, CD73, CD90, and HLA-DR), differentiation capacity, and morphology were evaluated.

Results

Isolation success rate was 61% and 30% for the non-cryopreserved and cryopreserved groups, respectively. There were no statistical differences between the groups for the tested surface markers. The cells in both groups were capable of differentiating into three mesenchymal lineages. No statistical differences between the groups were observed through the time course proliferation assay (0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 days); however, the mean time between isolation and the fifth passage was shorter for the non-cryopreserved group (p = 0.035). The morphology of the cells was considered altered in the cryopreserved group.

Conclusion

DPSCs were obtained from cryopreserved intact deciduous teeth without changes in the immunophenotypical characteristics and differentiation ability; however, lower culture rates, proliferation potential, and morphological alterations were observed in relation to the control group.     

Human dental pulp stem cells derived from different cryopreservation methods of human dental pulp tissues of diseased teeth

J Oral Pathol Med (2011) 40 : 793–800 Background: Successful isolation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) has been documented at least 120 h after tooth extraction. Viable hDPSCs have been isolated chiefly from cryopreserved healthy molar teeth and their undigested dental pulp tissue. Isolation of hDPSCs from diseased but vital teeth after cryopreservation has not been reported. This study aimed to isolate hDPSCs from cryopreserved diseased but vital teeth of various tooth types. Materials: Fifty tooth samples were divided into group A (n = 20) – freshly derived dental pulp tissues, group B (n = 20) – liquid nitrogen (liq N₂)‐stored dental pulp tissues and group C (n = 10) – liq N₂‐stored intact teeth. Methods and results: The success rate for hDPSCs isolation was 100% for groups A and B and only 20% for group C. hDPSCs from all groups demonstrated self‐renewal properties and similar multipotent potential characteristics of adipogenic, chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation. In addition, hDPSCs showed high expression of bone‐marrow mesenchymal stem‐cell markers (CD29, CD90 and CD105) and very low expression of specific hematopoietic cells markers (CD14, CD34 and CD45). Conclusion: Our results indicate that hDPSCs isolated from diseased but vital teeth of various tooth types can be stored in liq N₂ for future usage.     

In vitro analysis of mesenchymal stem cells derived from human teeth and bone marrow

Mesenchymal stem cells derived from human teeth and bone marrow have been characterized by many research groups, but demonstrate inconsistent cellular phenotypes or functions, partly because of differences in culture methodology. Therefore, our aims were to resolve these inconsistencies and discuss the potential uses of these cells in research/clinical applications. We isolated and characterized dental stem cells (DSCs) from the dental pulp, periodontal ligament, apical papilla (APSCs) and dental follicle (DFSCs) of mature and immature teeth, along with bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) from the iliac crest. We compared the clonogenic and proliferative potentials of these cells in terms of colony-forming efficiency, proliferation potential, population doubling time and cell cycle. All DSCs, particularly APSCs and DFSCs, possessed greater proliferative potential than BMSCs. All stem cells expressed typical mesenchymal and embryonic markers, and developed alizarin red-positive mineralization nodules and Oil red O-positive lipid droplets when cultured in osteogenic and adipogenic media, respectively. Immunocytochemistry revealed that all stem cells developed neuronal markers when cultured in a control medium without neural inductive supplements. After 7 days of neurogenic culture, the differentiated cells showed a transition from fibroblast-like to neuron-like cell bodies with long processes, suggesting that the stem cells differentiated into mature neurons. Karyotyping confirmed that the stem cells maintained a normal karyotype and were chromosomally stable. Our results provide new insights into the physiological properties of stem cells with a normal karyotype and indicate that DSCs are appropriate for basic research and clinical applications.     

大豆黄素促脱落乳牙干细胞成骨的作用及其机制

目的探讨大豆黄素促进脱落乳牙干细胞(SHED)成骨的作用及其机制。方法对体外培养的第3代SHED分别用100、10和1μmol.L-1的大豆黄素培养基进行培养,以普通培养基作为对照,于3、6、9 d检测其碱性磷酸酶(AKP)活性,于7、14、21 d检测其骨钙蛋白(OC)的质量,以RT-PCR检测其3、6、9 d的核心结合因子(cbf)-α1 mRNA的表达。结果 SHED经大豆黄素干预培养3 d,10μmol.L-1的大豆黄素显著提高了细胞内AKP的质量(与对照组比较,P<0.05);培养6～9 d,3个浓度的大豆黄素均显著提高了AKP的表达量(与对照组比较,P<0.001)。中高浓度(10和100μmol.L-1)的大豆黄素可在成骨分化的中期(14 d)显著提高SHED内OC的质量(与对照组比较,P<0.001),21 d时各浓度的大豆黄素均可促进OC的表达(与对照组比较,P<0.001)。SHED培养3 d,10和100μmol.L-1大豆黄素明显上调其cbf-α1 mRNA的表达,1μmol.L-1的大豆黄素部分上调了cbf-α1mRNA的表达;在第6和9天,1、10和100μmol.L-1的大豆黄素均促进了cbf-α1 mRNA的表达,对照组在各时间点均呈阴性。结论大豆黄素可促进SHED向成骨方向分化,其机制可能与上调cbf-α1基因表达有关。     

Comparison of immunodulatory properties of dental pulp stem cells derived from healthy and inflamed teeth

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the immunodulatory properties of dental pulp stem cells derived from healthy (SCD) and inflamed pulp deciduous (SCDIP) tissues. The overall hypothesis is that SCDIP possess equal immune properties with SCD and could be used as an alternative tissue source in regenerative medicine.

Materials and methods

An intra-oral examination was carried out to assess the status of the pulp tissues and group them according to healthy or inflamed. Primary cells were established from these groups, and basic mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) characterizations were conducted. The expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA), namely HLA-G, HLA-DR, and HLA-ABC were examined in both cell lines using flow cytometry. We further compared the immunosuppressive effects of SCD and SCDIP on phytohemagglutinin-induced T cell proliferation. Supernatants were tested for cytokine profiling using multiplex array.

Results

While SCD exhibited typical MSC characteristics, SCDIP on the other hand, did not. Compared with SCDIP, SCD effectively suppresses mitogen-induced T cells proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, as well as express a higher percentage of HLA-ABC and HLA-G. In addition, levels of several cytokines, such as TNF-α, TNF-β, and IL-2, were drastically suppressed in SCD than SCDIP. Furthermore, a high level of IL-10, an important anti-inflammatory cytokine, was present in SCD compared with SCDIP.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that SCDIP is highly dysfunctional in terms of their stemness and immunomodulatory properties.

Clinical relevance

SCDIP is not a viable therapeutic cell source especially when used in graft versus host disease (GvHD) and organ rejection.     

Effects of HEMA and TEDGMA on the in vitro odontogenic differentiation potential of human pulp stem/progenitor cells derived from deciduous teeth

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of HEMA and TEGDMA on the odontogenic differentiation potential of dental pulp stem/progenitor cells.

Methods

Dental stem/progenitor cell cultures were established from pulp biopsies of human deciduous teeth of 1-3 year-old children (Deciduous Teeth Stem Cells-DTSCs). Cultures were characterized for stem cell markers, including STRO-1, CD146, CD34, CD45 using flow cytometry. Cytotoxicity was evaluated with the MTT assay. DTSCs were then induced for osteo/odontogenic differentiation by media containing dexamethasone, KH₂PO₄,β-glycerophosphate and l-ascorbic acid phosphate in the presence of nontoxic concentrations of HEMA (0.05-0.5 mM) and TEGDMA (0.05-0.25 mM) for 3 weeks. Additionally, the effects of a single exposure (72 h) to higher concentrations of HEMA (2 mM) and TEGDMA (1 mM) were also evaluated.

Results

DTSCs cultures were positive for STRO-1 (7.53 ± 2.5%), CD146 (91.79 ± 5.41%), CD34 (11.87 ± 3.02%) and negative for CD45. In the absence of monomers cell migration, differentiation and production of mineralized dentin-like structures could be observed. Cells also progressively expressed differentiation markers, including dentin sialophosphoprotein-DSPP, bone sialoprotein-BSP, osteocalcin-OCN and alkaline phosphatase-ALP. On the contrary, long-term exposure to nontoxic concentrations of HEMA and TEGDMA significantly delayed the differentiation and mineralization processes of DTSCs, whereas, one time exposure to higher concentrations of these monomers almost completed inhibited mineral nodule formation. BSP, OCN, ALP and DSPP expression were also significantly down-regulated.

Significance

These findings suggest that HEMA and TEGDMA can severely disturb the odontogenic differentiation potential of pulp stem/progenitor cells, which might have significant consequences for pulp tissue homeostasis and repair.     

牙髓、牙周膜及脐带间充质干细胞三系分化能力的体外比较研究

目的:比较牙髓、牙周膜和脐带三种不同来源间充质干细胞的(Mesenchymal stem cells,MSCs)三系分化潜能.方法:培养分离人脐带间充质干细胞(Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells,UCMSCs)、牙髓干细胞(Dental pulp stem cells,DPSCs)和牙周膜干细胞(Periodontal ligament stem cells,PDLSCs);倒置显微镜观察细胞形态,体外诱导这3种MSCs向成骨、成脂和成软骨方向分化,通过茜素红染色、油红O染色、阿尔辛蓝染色分别鉴定细胞成骨、成脂和成软骨分化能力,进一步实时荧光定量PCR检测比较3种细胞成骨相关基因OCN和RUNX2及成脂相关基因PPAR-γ的表达水平.结果:这3种MSCs细胞形态略有不同,三者均可向成骨、成脂和成软骨方向分化,但其分化潜能有所差异,DPSCs成骨和成脂向分化能力强,UCMSCs则更适于成脂和成软骨向分化,而PDLSCs成软骨向分化较具优势.结论:DPSCs,PDLSCs和UCMSCs三系分化潜能不同,本研究为干细胞临床转化中选择理想细胞来源提供实验依据.