Transplanted Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Seeded onto Peptide Hydrogel Decrease Alveolar Bone Loss

Alveolar bone loss can be caused by periodontitis or periodontal trauma. We have evaluated the effects of transplanted undifferentiated human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) on alveolar bone reaction and periodontal ligament healing in an experimental periodontal wound model. The hMSCs seeded onto a self-assembling peptide hydrogel in combination with collagen sponge were implanted into the right mandible of 12 rats and followed for 1 (n=6) or 4 weeks (n=6) postoperatively. The other 12 sham-treated rats were used as controls. Histological and histomorphometrical methods were used to assess the periodontal tissue reaction. The alveolar bone volume density was significantly higher at 1 week after surgery, and the osteoclast number was significantly lower at both 1 week and 4 weeks postoperatively in the mandibles treated with hMSCs. The implanted cells were detected only at 1 week after surgery. In conclusion, transplanted hMSCs can contribute to alveolar bone preservation after a periodontal surgical trauma at least by decreasing local osteoclast number.