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Scientific Reports Oct 2023Vascular calcification, an ectopic calcification exacerbated by aging and renal dysfunction, is closely associated with cardiovascular disease. However, early detection...
Vascular calcification, an ectopic calcification exacerbated by aging and renal dysfunction, is closely associated with cardiovascular disease. However, early detection indicators are limited. This study focused on dental pulp stones, ectopic calcifications found in oral tissues that are easily identifiable on dental radiographs. Our investigation explored the frequency and timing of these calcifications in different locations and their relationship to aortic calcification. In cadavers, we examined the association between the frequency of dental pulp stones and aortic calcification, revealing a significant association. Notably, dental pulp stones appeared prior to aortic calcification. Using a rat model of hyperphosphatemia, we confirmed that dental pulp stones formed earlier than calcification in the aortic arch. Interestingly, there were very few instances of aortic calcification without dental pulp stones. Additionally, we conducted cell culture experiments with vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and dental pulp cells (DPCs) to explore the regulatory mechanism underlying high phosphate-mediated calcification. We found that DPCs produced calcification deposits more rapidly and exhibited a stronger augmentation of osteoblast differentiation markers compared with SMCs. In conclusion, the observation of dental pulp stones through X-ray examination during dental checkups could be a valuable method for early diagnosis of aortic calcification risk.
Topics: Rats; Animals; X-Rays; Dental Pulp Calcification; Radiography; Vascular Calcification; Early Diagnosis; Dental Pulp
PubMed: 37903847
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45902-w -
The Chinese Journal of Dental Research Mar 2022Microspheres have been widely utilised as versatile carriers in biomedical applications. In recent years, as a new type of injectable scaffold, microspheres have...
Microspheres have been widely utilised as versatile carriers in biomedical applications. In recent years, as a new type of injectable scaffold, microspheres have attracted increasing attention in the field of regenerative medicine owing to their various advantages including their small size, large specific surface area and mimicry of the 3D native environment. These characteristics enable them to adopt the narrow and irregular anatomy of the tooth and become an ideal scaffold for endodontic regeneration. Microspheres play an important role in carrying biologics (cells, biomolecules and drugs), which effectively regulate the fate of stem cells and control the release of growth factors and drugs. Cell-laden microspheres, which can be divided into microcarriers and microcapsules, have great application prospects in dental pulp regeneration. This paper summarises the properties and characteristics of microsphere scaffolds used in tissue engineering, placing emphasis on their advantages and applications in endodontic regeneration.
Topics: Dental Pulp; Microspheres; Regeneration; Regenerative Medicine; Tissue Engineering
PubMed: 35293708
DOI: 10.3290/j.cjdr.b2752709 -
Journal of Cellular Physiology Jan 2018Cellular senescence has been suggested to be involved in physiological changes of cytokine production. Previous studies showed that the concentration of tumor necrosis...
Cellular senescence has been suggested to be involved in physiological changes of cytokine production. Previous studies showed that the concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is higher in the blood of aged people compared with that of young people. So far, the precise effects of TNF-α on the odontoblastic differentiation of pulp cells have been controversial. Therefore, we aimed to clarify how this cytokine affected pulp cells during aging. Human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) were cultured until reaching the plateau of their growth, and the cells were isolated at actively (young HDPCs; yHDPCs) or inactively (senescent HDPCs; sHDPCs) proliferating stages. sHDPCs expressed senescence-related molecules while yHDPCs did not. When these HDPCs were cultured in an odontoblast-inductive medium, both young and senescent cells showed mineralization, but mineralization in sHDPCs was lower compared with yHDPCs. However, the administration of TNF-α to this culture medium altered these responses: yHDPCs showed downregulated mineralization, while sHDPCs exhibited significantly increased mineralization. Furthermore, the expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1), a receptor of TNF-α, was significantly upregulated in sHDPCs compared with yHDPCs. Downregulation of TNFR1 expression led to decreased mineralization of TNF-α-treated sHDPCs, whereas restored the reduction in TNF-α-treated yHDPCs. These results suggested that sHDPCs preserved the odontoblastic differentiation capacity and TNF-α promoted odontoblastic differentiation of HDPCs with the progress of their population doublings through increased expression of TNFR1. Thus, TNF-α might exert a different effect on the odontoblastic differentiation of HDPCs depending on their proliferating activity. In addition, the calcification of pulp chamber with age may be related with increased reactivity of pulp cells to TNF-α.
Topics: Aging; Calcification, Physiologic; Cell Differentiation; Cell Proliferation; Dental Pulp; Gene Knockdown Techniques; Humans; Odontoblasts; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, Type I; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
PubMed: 30078208
DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26905 -
Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal Aug 2018First discovered by Friedenstein in 1976, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells found throughout the body that share a fixed set of characteristics.... (Review)
Review
First discovered by Friedenstein in 1976, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells found throughout the body that share a fixed set of characteristics. Discovered initially in the bone marrow, this cell source is considered the gold standard for clinical research, although various other sources-including adipose tissue, dental pulp, mobilised peripheral blood and birth-derived tissues-have since been identified. Although similar, MSCs derived from different sources possess distinct characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, including their differentiation potential and proliferation capacity, which influence their applicability. Hence, they may be used for specific clinical applications in the fields of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. This review article summarises current knowledge regarding the various sources, characteristics and therapeutic applications of MSCs.
Topics: Amniotic Fluid; Bone Marrow; Bone Marrow Cells; Cell Differentiation; Dental Pulp; Fetal Blood; Humans; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Review Literature as Topic; Tissue Engineering
PubMed: 30607265
DOI: 10.18295/squmj.2018.18.03.002 -
Journal of Dental Research Apr 2021Odontoblast differentiation is a complex and multistep process regulated by signaling pathways, including the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Both positive and...
Odontoblast differentiation is a complex and multistep process regulated by signaling pathways, including the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Both positive and negative effects of Wnt/β-catenin signaling on dentinogenesis have been reported, but the underlying mechanisms of these conflicting results are still unclear. To gain a better insight into the role of Wnt/β-catenin in dentinogenesis, we used dental pulp cells from a panel of transgenic mice, in which fluorescent protein expression identifies cells at different stages of odontoblast and osteoblast differentiation. Our results showed that exposure of pulp cells to WNT3a at various times and durations did not induce premature differentiation of odontoblasts. These treatments supported the survival of undifferentiated cells in dental pulp and promoted the formation of 2.3GFP preodontoblasts and their rapid transition into differentiated odontoblasts expressing DMP1-Cherry and DSPP-Cerulean transgenes. WNT3a also promoted osteogenesis in dental pulp cultures. These findings provide critical information for the development of improved treatments for vital pulp therapy and dentin regeneration.
Topics: Animals; Cell Differentiation; Dental Pulp; Dentinogenesis; Mice; Odontoblasts; Wnt Signaling Pathway; beta Catenin
PubMed: 33103548
DOI: 10.1177/0022034520967353 -
Journal of the Formosan Medical... Jan 2022Dental pulp fibroblasts can protect dental pulp from microbial invasion. However, little is known about the interaction between pulp fibroblasts and the immune cells. In...
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE
Dental pulp fibroblasts can protect dental pulp from microbial invasion. However, little is known about the interaction between pulp fibroblasts and the immune cells. In this study, the production of proinflammatory cytokines related to inflammatory cell recruitment was evaluated in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-stimulated human dental pulp fibroblasts (HDPFs). The role of TNF-α-stimulated HDPFs in the cell fusion under inflammatory process was determined with the cell co-culture with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
METHODS
HDPFs were stimulated with various concentrations of TNF-α, and the secretion of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 was analyzed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mRNA expression levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. TNF-α-treated HDPFs were co-cultured with PBMCs for 21 days, and characteristics of cell differentiation were assessed.
RESULTS
TNF-α induced IL-6, IL-8 and MCP-1 production in HDPFs. Moreover, mRNA expression levels of ICAM-1, M-CSF and OPG were significantly increased in TNF-α-treated HDPFs. Co-culture of TNF-α-treated HDPFs and PBMCs stimulated formation of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinucleated cells, and the F-actin rings were observed in these multinucleated cells.
CONCLUSION
Our results indicate that under the stimulation of TNF-α, HDPFs may amplify inflammatory response by cytokines production, which in turn can modulate the differentiation of immune cells.
Topics: Dental Pulp; Fibroblasts; Humans; Inflammation; Leukocytes, Mononuclear
PubMed: 34049758
DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2021.05.007 -
Human Cell Apr 2018CD146 and STRO-1 are endothelial biomarkers that are co-expressed on the cellular membranes of blood vessels within human dental pulp tissue. This study characterized...
CD146 and STRO-1 are endothelial biomarkers that are co-expressed on the cellular membranes of blood vessels within human dental pulp tissue. This study characterized the percentage of dentin-like structures produced by CD146-positive (CD146) human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), compared with their CD146-negative (CD146) counterparts. DPSC populations were enriched using magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS), yielding CD146 and CD146 cells, as well as mixtures composed of 25% CD146 cells and 75% CD146 cells (CD146). Cell growth assays indicated that CD146 cells exhibit an approximate 3-4 h difference in doubling time, compared with CD146 cells. Cell cycle distributions were determined by flow cytometry analysis. The low percentage of CD146 cells' DNA content in G/G phase were compared with CD146 and non-separated cells. In contrast to CD146 and non-separated cells, prompt mineralization was observed in CD146 cells. Subsequently, qRT-PCR revealed high mRNA expression of CD146 and Alkaline phosphatase in mineralization-induced CD146 cells. CD146 cells were also observed high adipogenic ability by Oil red O staining. Histological examinations revealed an increased area of dentin/pulp-like structures in transplanted CD146 cells, compared with CD146 and CD146 cells. Immunohistochemical studies detected dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP1) and dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), as well as human mitochondria, in transplanted DPSCs. Co-expression of CD146 and GFP indicated that CD146 was expressed in transplanted CD146 cells. CD146 cells may promote mineralization and generate dentin/pulp-like structures, suggesting a role in self-renewal of stem cells and dental pulp regenerative therapy.
Topics: Adipogenesis; CD146 Antigen; Cell Cycle; Cell Differentiation; Cell Proliferation; Cells, Cultured; Dental Pulp; Dentin; Humans; Regeneration; Regenerative Medicine; Stem Cells
PubMed: 29313241
DOI: 10.1007/s13577-017-0198-2 -
Clinical Oral Investigations May 2024To obtain and compare the protein profiles of supernumerary and normal permanent dental pulp tissues. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
OBJECTIVES
To obtain and compare the protein profiles of supernumerary and normal permanent dental pulp tissues.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Dental pulp tissues were obtained from supernumerary and normal permanent teeth. Proteins were extracted and analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS). Protein identification and quantification from MS data was performed with MaxQuant. Statistical analysis was conducted using Metaboanalyst to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) (P-value < 0.05, fold-change > 2). Gene Ontology enrichment analyses were performed with gProfiler.
RESULTS
A total of 3,534 proteins were found in normal dental pulp tissue and 1,093 in supernumerary dental pulp tissue, with 174 DEPs between the two groups. This analysis revealed similar functional characteristics in terms of cellular component organization, cell differentiation, developmental process, and response to stimulus, alongside exclusive functions unique to normal permanent dental pulp tissues such as healing, vascular development and cell death. Upon examination of DEPs, these proteins were associated with the processes of wound healing and apoptosis.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the protein profile of dental pulp tissue, including the first such profiling of supernumerary permanent dental pulp. There are functional differences between the proteomic profiles of supernumerary and normal permanent dental pulp tissue, despite certain biological similarities between the two groups. Differences in protein expression were identified, and the identified DEPs were linked to the healing and apoptosis processes.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
This discovery enhances our knowledge of supernumerary and normal permanent pulp tissue, and serves as a valuable reference for future studies on supernumerary teeth.
Topics: Dental Pulp; Humans; Proteomics; Tooth, Supernumerary; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Chromatography, Liquid; Male; Female; Adolescent; Dentition, Permanent; Child
PubMed: 38758416
DOI: 10.1007/s00784-024-05698-z -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2020Irreversible pulpitis is an extremely painful condition and its consequence in the central nervous system (CNS) remains unclear. A mouse model of dental pulp injury...
Irreversible pulpitis is an extremely painful condition and its consequence in the central nervous system (CNS) remains unclear. A mouse model of dental pulp injury (DPI) resembles the irreversible pulpitis profile in humans. This study sought to determine whether pain induced by DPI activates microglia and astrocytes in the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc), as well as increases levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and whether electroacupuncture (EA) can be a potential analgesic and neuroprotective therapy following DPI. Pain behavior was measured via head-withdrawal threshold (HWT) and burrowing behavior at days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 after DPI. A marked decrease in HWT and burrowing activity was observed from day 1 to 14 after DPI and no changes were seen on day 21. Microglial and astrocytes activation; along with high cytokine (TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6) levels, were observed in the Vc at 21 days after DPI. These effects were attenuated by verum (local and distal) EA, as well as oral ibuprofen administration. The results suggest that DPI-induced pain and glial activations in the Vc and EA exert analgesic efficacy at both local and distal acupoints. Furthermore, verum (local and distal) EA might be associated with the modulations of microglial and astrocytes activation.
Topics: Analgesics; Animals; Astrocytes; Behavior, Animal; Cytokines; Dental Pulp; Disease Models, Animal; Electroacupuncture; Gene Expression; Histocytochemistry; Inflammation Mediators; Microglia; Neuroprotective Agents; Pulpitis; Rats; Trigeminal Nuclei
PubMed: 32283868
DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072628 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2024Dental tissue stem cells (DTSCs) are well known for their multipotent capacity and regenerative potential. They also play an important role in the immune response of... (Review)
Review
Dental tissue stem cells (DTSCs) are well known for their multipotent capacity and regenerative potential. They also play an important role in the immune response of inflammatory processes derived from caries lesions, periodontitis, and gingivitis. These oral diseases are triggered by toxins known as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) produced by gram-negative bacteria. LPS present molecular patterns associated with pathogens and are recognized by Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in dental stem cells. In this review, we describe the effect of LPS on the biological behavior of DTSCs. We also focus on the molecular sensors, signaling pathways, and emerging players participating in the interaction of DTSCs with lipopolysaccharides. Although the scientific advances generated provide an understanding of the immunomodulatory potential of DTSCs, there are still new reflections to explore with regard to their clinical application in the treatment of oral inflammatory diseases.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Dental Pulp; Lipopolysaccharides; Signal Transduction; Stem Cells; Toll-Like Receptors; Bacterial Infections
PubMed: 38673923
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084338