Isolation and characterization of human PDLSCs from the inflamed PDL tissue : in vitro and in vivo evaluations

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells could be isolated from healthy periodontal ligaments (PDL). The aims of this study were to isolate and characterize human PDL stem cells (hPDLSCs) from inflamed PDL tissue, and to evaluate their regenerative potential.Inflamed hPDLSCs (ihPDLSCs) were isolated from the inflamed PDL tissue obtained from intrabony defects during flap surgery, and characterized by immunohistochemical staining, colony-forming-unit assay, fluorescence-activated cell-sorting, cell surface antigens, and mRNA expression in comparison to healthy hPDLSCs obtained from extracted teeth for orthodontic purpose. The proliferative potential and migratory potential was assessed, and compared to healthy hPDLSCs. Regenerative potential was assessed by an in vivo ectopic transplantation model.ihPDLSCs were successfully isolated and characterized as mesenchymal stem cells. In vitro osteogenic/cementogenic and adipogenic potentials of ihPDLSCs were similar to those of hPDLSCs. The proliferative potential did not differ between healthy hPDLSCs and ihPDLSCs, while the migratory capacity was significantly increased in ihPDLSCs (p < 0.05). Both groups exhibited new cementum-like tissue and related PDL fiber regeneration in an in vivo transplantation model.ihPDLSCs could be successfully isolated from inflamed PDL tissue, and they retained the regenerative potential for cementum and related PDL tissues.