Behavior of Adipose-derived Stem Cells in Periodontal tissue regeneration

Objectives: Periodontal tissue regeneration using Bone marrow-derived stem cells (BSCs) have been demonstrated to efficiently in some animal model. However, bone marrow procurement is painful for donors, and yields low number of BSCs. Compared with BSCs, Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) do have an equal potential to differentiate into cells and tissues of mesodermal origin. However, ASCs do represent an alternative source of autologous adult stem cells that can be obtained repeatedly in large quantities under local anesthesia with a minimum of patient discomfort.In this study, we sought to determine if periodontal tissue could be regenerated by ASCs with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) in rat model.

Methods: ASCs from Wistar rat or GFP transgenic rat were cultured in control medium. To the rat periodontal tissue defect, ASCs with PRP were transplanted in the experimental group. While no treatment and PRP independent were performed in the controls. Two, four and eight weeks later, the specimens were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin. Immunostaining of osteocalcin, osteopontin, type I collagen and GFP were performed after eight weeks.

Results: After two and four week implantation, bone regeneration from the residual bone was evident. And, isolated bone formation which is surrounded by fibrous connective tissue was observed. In the control groups, regenerated tissues were not observed in the periodontal tissue defect. After eight weeks implantation, regenerated bone and periodontal ligament like structure were observed in the defect. In immunostaining, osteocalcin were shown on surface of regenerated bone, osteopontin positive cells were seen in bone cavity of regenerated bone, and GFP and type I collagen positive cells were seen in regenerated bone and periodontal ligament like structure.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that ASCs could contribute to periodontal tissue regeneration in vivo.