Periodontal tissue regeneration with adipose-derived stem cells

A number of surgical techniques have been developed to promote periodontal tissue regeneration. Bone marrow-derived stem cells have also been shown to promote periodontal tissue regeneration. In this study, we sought to determine whether adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) can promote periodontal tissue regeneration as well. ASCs were isolated from a Wistar rat, passaged twice, mixed with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) obtained from inbred rats, and implanted into the periodontal tissue defect that had been generated in the test rats. Tissue specimens were harvested after 2, 4, and 8 weeks for histological analysis. Rats that received PRP only or were not implanted served as controls. A small amount of alveolar bone regeneration was observed 2 and 4 weeks after ASC/PRP implantation. Moreover, 8 weeks after implantation, a periodontal ligament-like structure was observed along with alveolar bone. These observations suggest that ASCs can promote periodontal tissue regeneration in vivo. Because large amounts of human lipoaspirates are readily available, and their procurement induces only low morbidity, ASCs may be useful in future clinical cell-based therapy for periodontal disease.