Periodontal Regeneration by Transplantation of Adipose Tissue-derived Stem Cells

Objectives: The reconstruction of periodontium destroyed by periodontal diseases is a major goal of periodontal therapy. Recent studies have reported the ubiquitous distribution of adult stem cells in various tissues and organs, including bone marrow, muscle, brain, skin, and adipose tissue. Because adipose tissue is abundant and easily accessible, it would be useful sources of mesenchymal stem cells for periodontal regenerative therapy. In this study, we examined the regenerative efficacy of topical implantations of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSC) into the bony defects in beagle dogs.

Methods: 2-wall intrabony defects (5x4x3mm) were surgically created on the mesial sides of bilateral mandibular fourth premolars in 5 beagle dogs. ADSC were isolated from subcutaneous adipose tissue of each beagle dog. The fibrin carrier alone or the carrier containing ADSC was transplanted into the defects of each dog. Six weeks after the transplantation, the periodontal regeneration in those defects was analyzed radiographically and histologically.

Results: Micro CT and histological analyses revealed the significant periodontal regeneration in the ADSC-applied sites in greater amounts than in the carrier alone applied sites. A considerable amount of new bone growth, as well as new cementum on the instrumented root surface was observed in the ADSC-applied sites. New connective tissue fibers were vertically inserted into the newly formed bone and cementum.

Conclusions: These results indicated that a transplantation of ADSC can enhance considerable periodontal regeneration in surgically created alveolar bone defects of beagle dogs. Thus, ADSC can be potentially used for cell therapy for periodontal regeneration.