Comparative characterization of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth and dental pulp stem cells
Xi Wang1, Xin-Jia Sha, Guang-Hui Li
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, 145 West Changle Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China.
Objective:
This 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.
Methods:
In 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 8weeks. 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.
Results:
SHED 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.
Conclusions:
This 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.
