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Effect of Melatonin and TNF-α on Differentiation of PDL Stem Cells
Ting Liu1, Liuyun Zheng2, Dinesh Rokaya3,4
1Department of Stomatology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China.
Introduction:
Melatonin (MEL) has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune regulatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate MEL as an antioxidant in the osteogenesis process of the human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs).
Methods:
This is an in vitro experimental laboratory study using human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs). were cultured and characterized in vitro. TNF-α was administered at 10 ng/ml. The ALP activity of hPDLSCs and the expressions of two genes, Runx2 and OPN, were also studied. ALP staining and activity assays were conducted on day 7 and day 14 to study the effects of TNF-α and MEL on bone formation.
Results:
It showed that MEL counteracted the ROS generation and the inhibitory osteogenesis of hPDLSCs induced by TNF-α, by upregulating the expression of antioxidases and downregulating the expression of oxidases. TNF-α treatment resulted in a decrease in ALP staining and activity, and MEL was able to result in TNF-α-induced impaired osteogenesis of hPDLSCs. Similarly, MEL inhibited the phosphorylation of p65 protein and blocked the degradation of IκBα protein.
Discussion:
This study demonstrates that melatonin preserves the osteogenic potential of human periodontal ligament stem cells under TNF-α-induced inflammatory conditions. By reducing ROS, enhancing antioxidant defenses, and suppressing oxidases, melatonin restores ALP activity and increases Runx2 and OPN expression. These effects occur through inhibition of NF-κB signaling, indicating its protective role in inflammatory microenvironments.
Conclusion:
MEL effectively attenuates TNF-α-induced oxidative stress and restores the osteogenic differentiation capacity of human periodontal ligament stem cells in an inflammatory microenvironment. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties support its potential use in periodontal regeneration therapies.
