Periodontal tissue regeneration by signaling molecule(s): what role does basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) have in periodontal therapy?

Current status and future development of cell transplantation therapy for periodontal tissue regeneration

It has been shown that stem cell transplantation can regenerate periodontal tissue, and several clinical trials involving transplantation of stem cells into human patients have already begun or are in preparation. However, stem cell transplantation therapy is a new technology, and the events following transplantation are poorly understood. Several studies have reported side effects and potential risks associated with stem cell transplantation therapy. To protect patients from such risks, governments have placed regulations on stem cell transplantation therapies. It is important for the clinicians to understand the relevant risks and governmental regulations. This paper describes the ongoing clinical studies, basic research, risks, and governmental controls related to stem cell transplantation therapy. Then, one clinical study is introduced as an example of a government-approved periodontal cell transplantation therapy.

Fibroblast growth factor 2 inhibits the expression of stromal cell-derived factor 1α in periodontal ligament cells derived from human permanent teeth in vitro

Although cells derived from periodontal ligament (PDL) tissue are reported to have stem cell-like activity and are speculated to play a crucial role for tissue healing and regeneration after injury or orthodontic treatment, mechanisms regulating their recruitment and activation remain unknown. Recently, stromal cell-derived factor 1α (SDF-1α) has been reported to be important for stem cell homing and recruitment to injured sites. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) affects the expression of SDF-1α in PDL cells derived from human permanent teeth in vitro. Using real-time PCR, the expression of SDF-1α mRNA in PDL cells was inhibited by treatment with 10 ng/ml FGF-2. When PDL cells were treated with SU5402 (an inhibitor of FGF receptor 1) in combination with FGF-2, the FGF-2-reduced expression of SDF-1α was inhibited. In the presence of the JNK inhibitor SP600125, SDF-1α mRNA in PDL cells was not suppressed by the FGF-2 treatment. Western blot analysis also showed that SDF-1α production was suppressed by treatment with FGF-2, but it recovered with treatment by FGF-2 + SU5402. These findings suggest that SDF-1α from PDL cells plays an important role in the regeneration and homeostasis of periodontal tissues via the recruitment of stem cells.