Dimethyl Sulfoxide Leads to Decreased Osteogenic Differentiation of Stem Cells Derived from Gingiva via Runx2 and Collagen I Expression

Impact of Dexamethasone on Three-Dimensional Stem Cell Spheroids: Morphology, Viability, Osteogenic Differentiation

Background and Objectives: Dexamethasone has been widely researched for its ability to promote osteogenic differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells in basic research. This study focused on examining the effects of dexamethasone on both cell viability and osteogenic differentiation in three-dimensional stem cell spheroids. Materials and Methods: These spheroids were created using concave microwells and exposed to dexamethasone at concentrations ranging from 0 μM to 100 μM, including intermediate levels of 0.1 μM, 1 μM, and 10 μM. Microscopic analysis was used to qualitatively assess cellular viability, while a water-soluble tetrazolium salt-based assay provided quantitative viability data. Osteogenic differentiation was evaluated by measuring alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition using Alizarin Red staining. Additionally, the expression levels of genes associated with osteogenesis were measured through quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: The spheroids successfully self-assembled within the first 24 h and maintained their structural integrity over a seven-day period. Analysis of cell viability showed no statistically significant differences across the various dexamethasone concentrations tested. Although there was an observed increase in alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition following dexamethasone treatment, these differences were not statistically significant. RUNX2 gene expression was upregulated in the 1 μM, 10 μM, and 100 μM groups, while COL1A1 expression significantly increased at 0.1 μM and 1 μM. Conclusions: These results indicate that dexamethasone supports cell viability and enhances RUNX2 and COL1A1 expression in stem cell spheroids.

Effects of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 on the Maintenance of Cell Viability and Osteogenic Differentiation of Gingiva-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Spheroids

Background and Objectives: Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) plays a vital role in various cellular processes, including those involving stem cells. This study evaluated the effects of IGF-1 on cell survival, osteogenic differentiation, and mRNA expression in gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cell spheroids. Materials and Methods: Using concave microwells, spheroids were generated in the presence of IGF-1 at concentrations of 0, 10, and 100 ng/mL. Cellular vitality was qualitatively assessed using microscopy, while a water-soluble tetrazolium salt-based assay kit quantified cellular viability. Osteogenic differentiation was evaluated via alkaline phosphatase activity and an anthraquinone dye test to measure calcium deposition. Additionally, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis was performed to determine the expression of RUNX2 and COL1A1. Results: By day 1, the stem cell spheroids had successfully formed, and their morphology remained stable over the following 7 days. The IGF-1 concentrations tested showed no significant differences in cell viability. Similarly, alkaline phosphatase activity on day 7 revealed no observable changes. However, on day 7, the incorporation of IGF-1 led to an increase in Alizarin Red staining, indicative of enhanced calcium deposition. Notably, an IGF-1 concentration of 100 ng/mL significantly upregulated the expression of COL1A1. Conclusions: These findings suggest that IGF-1 supports the maintenance of cell viability and promotes the expression of COL1A1 in gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cell spheroids, highlighting its potential role in enhancing osteogenic differentiation. Future research should include long-term studies to evaluate the sustainability of IGF-1-induced effects on stem cell spheroids.

Impact of Polydeoxyribonucleotides on the Morphology, Viability, and Osteogenic Differentiation of Gingiva-Derived Stem Cell Spheroids

Background and Objectives: Polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRN), composed of DNA fragments derived from salmon DNA, is widely recognized for its regenerative properties. It has been extensively used in medical applications, such as dermatology and wound healing, due to its ability to enhance cellular metabolic activity, stimulate angiogenesis, and promote tissue regeneration. In the field of dentistry, PDRN has shown potential in promoting periodontal healing and bone regeneration. This study aims to investigate the effects of PDRN on the morphology, survival, and osteogenic differentiation of gingiva-derived stem cell spheroids, with a focus on its potential applications in tissue engineering and regenerative dentistry. Materials and Methods: Gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells were cultured and formed into spheroids using microwells. The cells were treated with varying concentrations of PDRN (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 μg/mL) and cultivated in osteogenic media. Cell morphology was observed over seven days using an inverted microscope, and viability was assessed with Live/Dead Kit assays and Cell Counting Kit-8. Osteogenic differentiation was evaluated by measuring alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition. The expression levels of osteogenic markers RUNX2 and COL1A1 were quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RNA sequencing was performed to assess the gene expression profiles related to osteogenesis. Results: The results demonstrated that PDRN treatment had no significant effect on spheroid diameter or cellular viability during the observation period. However, a PDRN concentration of 75 μg/mL significantly enhanced calcium deposition by Day 14, suggesting increased mineralization. RUNX2 and COL1A1 mRNA expression levels varied with PDRN concentration, with the highest RUNX2 expression observed at 25 μg/mL and the highest COL1A1 expression at 75 μg/mL. RNA sequencing further confirmed the upregulation of genes involved in osteogenic differentiation, with enhanced expression of RUNX2 and COL1A1 in PDRN-treated gingiva-derived stem cell spheroids. Conclusions: In summary, PDRN did not significantly affect the viability or morphology of gingiva-derived stem cell spheroids but influenced their osteogenic differentiation and mineralization in a concentration-dependent manner. These findings suggest that PDRN may play a role in promoting osteogenic processes in tissue engineering and regenerative dentistry applications, with specific effects observed at different concentrations.

Stem Cells in the Periodontium-Anatomically Related Yet Physiologically Diverse

Periodontitis is a complex chronic disease discernible by the deterioration of periodontal tissue. The goal of periodontal therapy is to achieve complete tissue regeneration, and one of the most promising treatment options is to harness the regenerative potential of stem cells available within the periodontal complex. Periodontal ligament stem cells, gingival mesenchymal stem cells, oral periosteal stem cells, and dental follicle stem cells have structural similarities, but their immunological responses and features differ. The qualities of diverse periodontal stem cells, their immune-modulatory effects, and variances in their phenotypes and characteristics will be discussed in this review. Although there is evidence on each stem cell population in the periodontium, understanding the differences in markers expressed, the various research conducted so far on their regenerative potential, will help in understanding which stem cell population will be a better candidate for tissue engineering. The possibility of selecting the most amenable stem cell population for optimal periodontal regeneration and the development and current application of superior tissue engineering treatment options such as autologous transplantation, three-dimensional bioengineered scaffolds, dental stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles will be explored.

Melatonin attenuates dimethyl sulfoxide- and Zika virus-induced degeneration of porcine induced neural stem cells

Domestic pigs have become increasingly popular as a model for human diseases such as neurological diseases. Drug discovery platforms have increasingly been used to identify novel compounds that combat neurodegeneration. Currently, bioactive molecules such as melatonin have been demonstrated to offer a neuroprotective effect in several studies. However, a neurodegenerative platform to study novel compounds in a porcine model has not been fully established. In this study, characterized porcine induced neural stem cells (iNSCs) were used for evaluation of the protective effect of melatonin against chemical and pathogenic stimulation. First, the effects of different concentrations of melatonin on the proliferation of porcine iNSCs were studied. Second, porcine iNSCs were treated with the appropriate concentration of melatonin prior to induced degeneration with dimethyl sulfoxide or Zika virus (ZIKV). The results demonstrated that the percentages of Ki67 expression in porcine iNSCs cultured in 0.1, 1, and 10 nM melatonin were not significantly different from that in the control groups. Melatonin at 1 nM protected porcine iNSCs from DMSO-induced degeneration, as confirmed by a dead cell exclusion assay and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) analysis. In addition, pretreatment with melatonin reduced the percentage of dead porcine iNSCs after ZIKV infection. Melatonin increased the ΔΨm, resulting in a decrease in cell degeneration. However, pretreatment with melatonin was unable to suppress ZIKV replication in porcine iNSCs. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated the anti-degenerative effect of melatonin against DMSO- and ZIKV-induced degeneration in porcine iNSCs.

Vitamin D Enhanced the Osteogenic Differentiation of Cell Spheroids Composed of Bone Marrow Stem Cells

Background and Objectives: Vitamin D is a bone modulator widely used in regenerative medicine. This study aimed to analyze the effects of vitamin D on the osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of human mesenchymal stem cells. Materials and Methods: Spheroids were fabricated using human bone marrow-derived stem cells, and were cultured in the presence of vitamin D at concentrations of 0, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 nM. Stem cell spheroids were fabricated and the morphological evaluation was conducted on days 1, 3, 7 and 14. Determination of qualitative cellular viability was performed with Live/Dead Kit assay on days 1 and 7. Quantitative cellular viability was evaluated with Cell Counting Kit-8 on days 1, 3, 7, and 14. To analyze the osteogenic differentiation of cell spheroids, alkaline phosphatase activity assays were performed with commercially available kit on days 7 and 14. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the expression levels of RUNX2, BSP, OCN, and COL1A1 on days 7 and 14. Results: The stem cells produced well-formed spheroids, and addition of vitamin D did not result in any noticeable changes in the shape. The addition of vitamin D did not significantly change the diameter of the spheroids at 0, 0.1, 1, 10, or 100 nM concentrations. Quantitative cell viability results from days 1, 3, 7 and 14 showed no significant difference between groups (p > 0.05). There was significantly higher alkaline phosphatase activity in the 0.1 nM group when compared with the control group on day 14 (p < 0.05). Real-time polymerase chain reaction results demonstrated that the mRNA expression levels of RUNX2, OCN, and COL1A1 were significantly increased when vitamin D was added to the culture. Conclusions: Based on these findings, we concluded that vitamin D could be applied to the increased osteogenicity of stem cell spheroids.

Insulin-like growth factor 2-enhanced osteogenic differentiation of stem cell spheroids by regulation of Runx2 and Col1 expression

Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2) is a growth factor that is involved in various functions of cells, including stem cells. The effects of IGF-2 on the cellular viability and osteogenic differentiation of stem cell spheroids were investigated in the present study. Stem cell spheroids were formed using concave microwells in the presence of IGF-2 at final concentrations of 0, 10 and 100 ng/ml. Cellular viability was measured qualitatively using a microscope and quantitatively using an assay kit based on water-soluble tetrazolium salt. The level of alkaline phosphatase activity, and an anthraquinone dye assay for calcium deposit evaluation, were used to assess osteogenic differentiation. A quantitative PCR analysis was conducted to evaluate the expression of Runx2 and Col1. Spheroid formation was noticed on day 1 in the microwells, and the spheroidal shape was maintained up to day 7. The cell viability assay values for IGF-2 at 0, 10 and 100 ng/ml at day 1 were 0.193±0.002, 0.191±0.002 and 0.201±0.006, respectively (P>0.05). The absorbance values at 405 nm for the alkaline phosphatase activity assays on day 21 were 0.221±0.006, 0.375±0.010 and 0.280±0.015 for IGF-2 at 0, 10 and 100 ng/ml, respectively. There were significantly higher values for IGF-2 in the 10 and 100 ng/ml groups when compared with the control (P<0.05). Significantly higher Alizarin red staining was noted for IGF-2 in the 10 ng/ml group when compared with the unloaded control at day 21 (P<0.05). Quantitative PCR revealed that mRNA levels of Runx2 and Col1 were significantly higher at 100 ng/ml on day 7. Conclusively, the present study demonstrated that the application of IGF-2 increased alkaline phosphatase activity, Alizarin red staining, and Runx2 and Col1 expression of stem cell spheroids.

Bone morphogenetic protein 2-enhanced osteogenic differentiation of stem cell spheres by regulation of Runx2 expression

Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) is a growth factor that is used to induce osteogenic differentiation in stem cells. The present study assessed the effects of BMP-2 on stem cell spheroid morphology, viability and osteogenic differentiation. Stem cell spheres were constructed and treated with BMP-2 at predetermined concentrations (0-100 ng/ml) using concave microwells. Cell viability was qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed via microscopy and a water-soluble tetrazolium salt assay kit, respectively. Alkaline phosphatase activity was assessed and an anthraquinone dye for calcium deposit evaluation was performed to determine osteogenic differentiation. The expressions of (runt-related transcription factor 2) and collagen 1 were also determined via quantitative PCR. Spherical shapes were formed using concave microwells on day 1, which were maintained up to day 21. On day 1, the relative cell viability of 0, 10 and 100 ng/ml BMP-2 treated cells was 100.0±1.9, 97.3±4.4 and 101.3±2.6%, respectively. Significantly higher values for alkaline phosphatase activity were determined in the 100 ng/ml treated group when compared with the control group. Additionally, Runx2 mRNA levels were significantly higher in the 100 ng/ml BMP-2 group compared with the control group, as determined via quantitative PCR. The results of the present study indicated that BMP-2 enhanced the differentiation of stem cell spheres, which was demonstrated by increased alkaline phosphatase activity and Runx2 expression.

Effects of DMSO on the Pluripotency of Cultured Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells (mESCs)

DMSO is a commonly used solvent in biological studies, as it is an amphipathic molecule soluble in both aqueous and organic media. For that reason, it is the vehicle of choice for several water-insoluble substances used in research. At the molecular and cellular level, DMSO is a hydrogen-bound disrupter, an intercellular electrical uncoupler, and a cryoprotectant, among other properties. Importantly, DMSO often has overlooked side effects. In stem cell research, the literature is scarce, but there are reports on the effect of DMSO in human embryoid body differentiation and on human pluripotent stem cell priming towards differentiation, via modulation of cell cycle. However, in mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) culture, there is almost no available information. Taking into consideration the almost ubiquitous use of DMSO in experiments involving mESCs, we aimed to understand the effect of very low doses of DMSO (0.0001%-0.2%), usually used to introduce pharmacological inhibitors/modulators, in mESCs cultured in two different media (2i and FBS-based media). Our results show that in the E14Tg2a mESC line used in this study, even the smallest concentration of DMSO had minor effects on the total number of cells in serum-cultured mESCs. However, these effects could not be explained by alterations in cell cycle or apoptosis. Furthermore, DMSO did not affect pluripotency or differentiation potential. All things considered, and although control experiments should be carried out in each cell line that is used, it is reasonable to conclude that DMSO at the concentrations used here has a minimal effect on this particular mESC line.

The Effects of Morinda citrifolia (Noni) on the Cellular Viability and Osteogenesis of Stem Cell Spheroids

Background and objectives: Morinda citrifolia (Noni) has been widely used in herbal remedies to treat and prevent various kinds of diseases. We conducted this study to evaluate the effects of Noni extract on the maintenance of morphology, the improvement of cellular viability, and the enhancement of osteogenesis of stem cell spheroids. Materials and Methods: We cultured stem cell spheroids made with gingiva-derived stem cells in the presence of Noni extract at concentrations of 10, 100 and 200 ng/mL. We performed analysis of the cell morphology and changes in the cellular viability. We conducted alkaline phosphatase activity assays using a kit, and mineralization assays using an anthraquinone dye to evaluate the osteogenesis of stem cell spheroids with the addition of Noni extract. Results: The applied cells formed spheroids well, and the addition of Noni at 10, 100 and 200 ng/mL concentrations did not produce significant morphological changes. The quantitative values for cellular viability on Day 3 showed that the absorbance values at 450 nm were 0.314 ± 0.013, 0.318 ± 0.008, 0.304 ± 0.000 and 0.300 ± 0.011 for Noni at 0, 10, 100 and 200 ng/mL concentrations, respectively. The results of alkaline phosphatase activity with absorbance values at 405 nm were 0.189 ± 0.019, 0.174 ± 0.023, 0.192 ± 0.014 and 0.210 ± 0.062 for Noni at 0, 10, 100 and 200 ng/mL concentrations, respectively, on Day 4. There were significantly higher values of Alizarin Red S staining for Noni in the 10, 100 and 200 ng/mL groups, with the highest value at 100 ng/mL when compared with the unloaded control on Day 14. Conclusions: Based on these findings, we concluded that Noni extract might be applied for the enhanced osteogenic differentiation of stem cell spheroids.

Influence of resveratrol application with pulp-capping materials on the genetic expression levels of stem cells

AIM

To evaluate in a laboratory setting the response of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to pulp-capping materials with and without resveratrol (RSV).

METHODOLOGY

Five materials, Calcimol LC, Life, TheraCal LC, ProRoot MTA and Biodentine, were prepared according to the manufacturers' instructions. Human MSCs were then exposed to these materials, with and without RSV, for 24 h (n = 8). Cell viability was evaluated using the MTT assay, and total cell death was quantified by annexin V-FITC staining with flow cytometry. The expression levels of the IL-8, IL-10, HBD-2 and BCL-2 genes were investigated using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Data obtained from MTT test were analysed using one-way anova, and Tukey's multiple-comparison test. The paired Student t test was employed to compare the effects of materials on gene expression (significance level of 5%).

RESULTS

The group cell viabilities were Calcimol LC 53%, Life 43%, TheraCal LC 78%, ProRoot MTA 75% and Biodentine 78%. Calcimol LC and Life exhibited significant differences compared with the control groups (P < 0.05). The percentages of necrotic/late apoptotic cells associated with Calcimol LC and TheraCal LC were greater than in the other materials. However, when RSV was added to wells containing materials, cell viability increased to Calcimol LC 63%, Life 52%, TheraCal LC 82%, ProRoot MTA 91% and Biodentine 96%, and the percentages of early apoptotic and late apoptotic/necrotic cells decreased. Calcimol LC + RSV and Life + RSV differed significantly from the control group (P < 0.05). The expression of IL-8 gene was high for all materials, ProRoot MTA caused significant overexpression, and the addition of RSV reduced the expression of IL-8 in the Calcimol LC, TheraCal LC and ProRoot MTA groups and led to increased expression of IL-10 in the Calcimol LC, Life and Biodentine groups. HBD-2 and BCL-2 exhibited increased expression in ProRoot MTA with RSV (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of RSV exerted a protective effect on MSCs and regulated the inflammatory process by altering the expression levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory genes.