Abstract
Zinc is an essential trace element that plays an important role in differentiation of osteoblasts and bone modeling. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the osteoblast differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) on zinc-modified titanium (Zn-Ti) that releases zinc ions from its surface. Based on real-time PCR, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and Western blot analysis data, we investigated osteoblast differentiation of DPSCs cultured on Zn-Ti and controls. DPSCs cultured on Zn-Ti exhibited significantly up-regulated gene expression levels of osteoblast-related genes of type I collagen (Col I), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), ALP, runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), osteopontin (OPN), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF A), as compared with controls. We also investigated extracellular matrix (ECM) mineralization by Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining and found that Zn-Ti significantly promoted ECM mineralization when compared with controls. These findings suggest that the combination of Zn-Ti and DPSCs provides a novel approach for bone regeneration therapy.
Highlights
Stem cells from dental pulp tissue that contain fibroblasts, collagen fibers, nerves, blood vessels with histiocytes, macrophages, mast cells, and plasma cells
We explored the use of zinc-modified Ti (Zn-Ti) as a scaffold for bone regeneration therapies to provide stimulating effects on osteoblast differentiation extracellular matrix mineralization of DPSCs
Some reports have noted morbidity associated with bone harvests for bone grafts, including lasting pain at donor sites[40,41]
Summary
Stem cells from dental pulp tissue that contain fibroblasts, collagen fibers, nerves, blood vessels with histiocytes, macrophages, mast cells, and plasma cells. The characteristics of DPSCs are similar to those of BMSCs; both are able to differentiate into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes under differentiation-inducing conditions[38]. Other reports have noted that DPSCs were found to be multipotent with a high osteoblast potential when compared with BMSCs39. The present in vitro study utilizes zinc-modified Ti (Zn-Ti) as a growth factor-releasing scaffold and DPSCs as a stem cell source for bone regeneration therapy. Evaluation of osteoblast differentiation and matrix mineralization was performed, and the results confirmed prominent effects of Zn-Ti on osteoblast differentiation of DPSCs
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