Osteogenic Differentiation Induced by Dental Pulp Stem Cells Secretome: A Dose-Dependent Comparative Study
Mahdi Kadkhodazadeh1,2, Reza Amid1,2, Aida Kheiri1,2
1Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Clinical and Experimental Dental Research
|June 23, 2026
Summary
Dental pulp stem cell-conditioned medium (DPSC-CM) enhances periodontal ligament stem cell (PDLSC) proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation. The lowest DPSC-CM concentration (10%) was most effective, suggesting a hormesis effect for optimal regenerative potential.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Stem Cell Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are crucial for periodontal regeneration.
- Dental pulp stem cell-derived conditioned medium (DPSC-CM) contains bioactive factors with therapeutic potential.
- Understanding DPSC-CM's effects on PDLSCs is key for developing novel periodontal therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of DPSC-CM on PDLSC proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation.
- To determine the optimal concentration of DPSC-CM for these cellular functions.
- To assess DPSC-CM's effects under basal (Growth Medium, GM) and osteogenic induction (Osteogenic Medium, OM) conditions.
Main Methods:
- DPSC-CM was collected and its maximum non-toxic concentration (MNTS) determined.
- PDLSCs were treated with varying DPSC-CM concentrations (10%, 30%, 50%) under GM and OM.
- Cell proliferation, migration, cytokine release (TGF-β1, VEGF), and osteogenic/angiogenic marker expression were analyzed.
Main Results:
- DPSC-CM significantly promoted PDLSC proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation in a concentration-dependent manner.
- The 10% DPSC-CM concentration (CM-10) exhibited the most beneficial effects, including enhanced TGF-β1 and VEGF secretion.
- Peak cell migration was observed at Day 2 for CM-10 and CM-30; highest osteogenic induction occurred under OM conditions with DPSC-CM treatment.
Conclusions:
- DPSC-CM is a potent osteoinductive agent for PDLSCs.
- A hormesis-like effect was observed, with the lowest concentration (10%) yielding optimal proliferative and osteogenic outcomes.
- DPSC-CM holds promise for enhancing periodontal tissue regeneration strategies.
