Allicin May Promote Reversal of T-Cell Dysfunction in Periodontitis via the PD-1 Pathway.

We evaluated the role of allicin in periodontitis using an in silico and in vitro design. An in silico docking analysis was performed to assess the plausible interactions between allicin and PD-L1. The cytokine profile of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples obtained from periodontitis patients was estimated by cytometric bead array. CD3+ lymphocytes isolated from the peripheral blood were sorted and characterized using immunomagnetic techniques. Cultured and expanded lymphocytes were treated with the GCF samples to induce T-cell exhaustion. Optimum concentrations of allicin were added to exhausted lymphocytes to compare the expression of TIM-3 and LAG-3 gene expression at baseline and post-treatment. Allicin was found to bind to the PD-L1 molecule as revealed by the in-silico experiment, which is possibly an inhibitory interaction although not proven. GCF from periodontitis patients had significantly higher concentrations of TNF-α, CCL2, IL-6, IFN-γ, and CXCL8 than controls. GCF treatment of CD3+ lymphocytes from the periodontitis patients significantly increased expression of T-cell exhaustion markers TIM-3 and LAG-3. Allicin administration with GCF treatment resulted in significant lowering of the expression of exhaustion markers. Allicin may exert an immunostimulatory role and reverse immune-destructive mechanisms such as T-cell exhaustion.

The Growth Factors and Cytokines of Dental Pulp Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome May Potentially Aid in Oral Cancer Proliferation.

BACKGROUND: Growth factors and cytokines responsible for the regenerative potential of the dental pulp mesenchymal stem cell secretome (DPMSC-S) are implicated in oral carcinogenesis. The impact and effects of these secretory factors on cancer cells must be understood in order to ensure their safe application in cancer patients. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to quantify the growth factors and cytokines in DPMSC-S and assess their effect on oral cancer cell proliferation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DPMSCs were isolated from patients with healthy teeth (n = 5) that were indicated for extraction for orthodontic reasons. The cells were characterized using flow cytometry and conditioned medium (DPMSC-CM) was prepared. DPMSC-CM was subjected to a bead-based array to quantify the growth factors and cytokines that may affect oral carcinogenesis. The effect of DPMSC-CM (20%, 50%, 100%) on the proliferation of oral cancer cells (AW123516) was evaluated using a Ki-67-based assay at 48 h. AW13516 cultured in the standard growth medium acted as the control. RESULTS: VEGF, HCF, Ang-2, TGF-α, EPO, SCF, FGF, and PDGF-BB were the growth factors with the highest levels in the DPMSC-CM. The highest measured pro-inflammatory cytokine was TNF-α, followed by CXCL8. The most prevalent anti-inflammatory cytokine in the DPMSC-CM was IL-10, followed by TGF-ß1 and IL-4. Concentrations of 50% and 100% DPMSC-CM inhibited Ki-67 expression in AW13516, although the effect was non-significant. Moreover, 20% DPMSC-CM significantly increased Ki-67 expression compared to the control. CONCLUSIONS: The increased Ki-67 expression of oral cancer cells in response to 20% DPMSC-CM indicates the potential for cancer progression. Further research is needed to identify their effects on other carcinogenic properties, including apoptosis, stemness, migration, invasion, adhesion, and therapeutic resistance.

Long term explant culture for harvesting homogeneous population of human dental pulp stem cells.

Dental pulp stem cells have emerged as a preferred source of mesenchymal stem cells, because of its easy availability and high stem cell content. Dental pulp is a specific fibrous tissue that contains heterogeneous populations of odontoblasts, fibroblasts, pericytes, progenitors, stem cells, leukocytes and neuronal cells. In this study, we propose sustained explant culture as a simple, economical and efficient process to isolate dental pulp stem cells from human Dental pulp Tissue. Historically explant cultures were used to get fibroblast cells from embryonic chick heart using plasma clot cultures. The subculture was performed by lifting mother explant (original explant) and grafting it in a new plasma clot. We modified this age old technique to suit the modern times. Here we demonstrate for the first time that the mother explant (E0) of human dental pulp tissue could be sub-cultured consecutively seven times (E7) without displacement. This technique is highly reproducible and permits growth and proliferation of dental pulp stem cells yielding an enriched homogeneous mesenchymal stem cells population in the first passage itself as revealed by surface marker expression. These dental pulp stem cells exhibit differentiation into adipogenic, chondrogenic and osteogenic lineage revealing their mesenchymal stem cell nature. We propose that dental pulp stem cells isolated by sustained explant culture are phenotypically and functionally comparable to those obtained by enzymatic method. It is a simple, inexpensive and gentle method, which may be preferred over the conventional techniques for obtaining stem cells from other tissue sources as well especially in cases of limited starting material.

In-vitro analysis on the potential use of dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells on arecoline-induced oral epithelial cells.

To assess the protective role of the secretome of dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells on arecoline-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and senescence on epithelial cells of the oral mucosa. Effect of varying concentrations of arecoline extract and dental pulp mesenchymal stem cell condition media (DPSC-CM) were noted on oral mucosal epithelial cells. MTT assay, Annexin V-FITC/PI assay, and the quantitative gene expressions of BCL2, PUMA, BAD, BAX, CASP3, CASP9, CASP12, TGFB1, CST3, COL1A2, COL3A1, TIMP1, TIMP2, CDH1, and CDH2 were assessed. Oral mucosal epithelial cells exposed only to the arecoline were the control. 50% and 100% DPSC-CM decreased apoptosis-related gene expression in the cells exposed with 25 µM arecoline compared to the control. 50% DPSC-CM attenuated the expression of all fibrotic genes and EMT-related genes. 20% and 100% DPSC-CM showed differential effects on fibrotic and EMT-related genes. DPSC-CM inhibited apoptosis, and attenuated expression of fibrotic and EMT-related genes on arecoline treated human oral epithelial cells.

CD44-positive cancer stem cells from oral squamous cell carcinoma exhibit reduced proliferation and stemness gene expression upon adipogenic induction.

We proposed to assess adipogenic differentiation and its effect on the proliferation and stemness markers in CD44 + OSCC CSCs. D44 + CSCs were sorted by magnetic sorting from the single-cell suspension of the OSCC tumor. Adipogenic differentiation was induced by an adipogenic induction medium. Lipid droplet formation was confirmed by oil red O staining. The expression of the cell surface marker was analyzed by flow cytometry. Real-time qPCR was performed to examine the gene expression activity. CD44 + OSCC CSCs can differentiate into adipocytes and adipogenesis in these cells decrease their proliferation and stemness gene expression. Adipogenic induction can make the cancer stem cells from OSCC tumors lose their stemness potential. Oral cancer, especially OSCC, is a huge burden worldwide. Similar to other stem cells, cancer stem cells can differentiate into other lineage cells. Our study shows that the proliferation and stemness gene expression in the CSCs from OSCC tumors can be thwarted by inducing them to differentiate into adipocytes, which could be advantageous to find out new clinical approaches in the treatment of cancers, like OSCC.

Hypoxia, a dynamic tool to amplify the gingival mesenchymal stem cells potential for neurotrophic factor secretion.

Gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) have significant regenerative potential. Their potential applications range from the treatment of inflammatory diseases, wound healing, and oral disorders. Preconditioning these stem cells can optimize their biological properties. Hypoxia preconditioning of MSCs improves stem cell properties like proliferation, survival, and differentiation potential. This research explored the possible impact of hypoxia on the pluripotent stem cell properties that GMSCs possess. We evaluated the morphology, stemness, neurotrophic factors, and stemness-related genes. We compared the protein levels of secreted neurotrophic factors between normoxic and hypoxic GMSC-conditioned media (GMSC-CM). Results revealed that hypoxic cultured GMSC's had augmented expression of neurotrophic factors BDNF, GDNF, VEGF, and IGF1 and stemness-related gene NANOG. Hypoxic GMSCs showed decreased expression of the OCT4 gene. In hypoxic GMSC-CM, the neurotrophic factors secretions were significantly higher than normoxic GMSC-CM. Our data demonstrate that culturing of GMSCs in hypoxia enhances the secretion of neurotrophic factors that can lead to neuronal lineage differentiation.

Assessing the therapeutic potential of agomelatine, ramelteon, and melatonin against SARS-CoV-2.

BACKGROUND: The SARS-Cov-2(severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) infection affecting human populations worldwide is now a very concerning issue considering the morbidity and mortality rates. Despite several measures followed by the medical fraternity and general public, there is no resolution. Therapeutic measures to tackle the infection have been based on researching new designer drug molecules that could prevent viral entry into the human host. Melatonin has been tried as an adjuvant in the management of COVID 19(coronavirus disease) illness but its specific antiviral role has not been investigated. Objectives: The objectives of the present study were to conduct an in-silico analysis to investigate if melatonin and related drugs namely ramelteon and agomelatine could be used as antiviral agents in SARS-CoV-2 infection based on their binding to the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding site (RBD) and Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE 2). METHODS: For docking studies (Pdb Id 1M0J), the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor-binding domain (RBD) crystal structure which was ACE2 cell receptor bounded was employed. From the PubChem database, the three-dimensional configuration of the ligands melatonin, ramelteon, and agomelatine was retrieved, and conceptual density functional theory (CDFT) was performed to determine molecular descriptors. Charges were added and optimized with the universal force field to prepare the ligands for the process of docking. For facilitation of readability by the AutoDock software conversion to PDBQT(Protein Data Bank, Partial Charge (Q), & Atom Type (T)) format was performed. AutoDock version 4.2.6 docking program and AutoDock Tools (ADT) version 1.5.6 were used for molecular docking. Desmond, a Package of Schrödinger LLC was used to simulate molecular dynamics for hundred nanoseconds using. RESULTS: Data from the present study reveal that melatonin, ramelteon, and agomelatine demonstrate significant binding with SARS-CoV-2 RBD and ACE 2 demonstrating the fact that they can strongly prevent viral entry into the host cells through dual binding effects. However, Ramelteon was found to be the most superior amongst the 3 drugs analyzed in its antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSION: Results advocate further research in exploring the potential therapeutic applications of melatonin, ramelteon, and agomelatine for the management of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Modulation of the Dental Pulp Stem Cell Secretory Profile by Hypoxia Induction Using Cobalt Chloride.

The action of stem cells is mediated by their paracrine secretions which comprise the secretory profile. Various approaches can be used to modify the secretory profile of stem cells. Creating a hypoxic environment is one method. The present study aims to demonstrate the influence of CoCl2 in generating hypoxic conditions in a dental pulp stem cell (DPSCs) culture, and the effect of this environment on their secretory profile. DPSCs that were isolated from human permanent teeth were characterized and treated with different concentrations of CoCl2 to assess their viability by an 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and proliferation by a cell counting kit (CCK)-8 assay. The gene expression level of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) was analyzed by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to demonstrate a hypoxic environment. Comparative evaluation of the growth factors and cytokines were done by cytometric bead array. Gene expression levels of transcription factors OCT4 and SOX2 were analyzed by qRT-PCR to understand the effect of CoCl2 on stemness in DPSCs. DPSCs were positive for MSC-specific markers. Doses of CoCl2, up to 20 µM, did not negatively affect cell viability; in low doses (5 µM), it promoted cell survival. Treatment with 10 µM of CoCl2 significantly augmented the genetic expression of HIF-1α. Cells treated with 10 µM of CoCl2 showed changes in the levels of growth factors and cytokines produced. It was very evident that CoCl2 also increased the expression of OCT4 and SOX2, which is the modulation of stemness of DPSCs. A CoCl2 treatment-induced hypoxic environment modulates the secretory profile of DPSCs.

Glucose and Serum Deprivation Led to Altered Proliferation, Differentiation Potential and AMPK Activation in Stem Cells from Human Deciduous Tooth.

Stem cell therapy is an evolving treatment strategy in regenerative medicine. Recent studies report stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth could complement the traditional mesenchymal stem cell sources. Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth exhibit mesenchymal characteristics with multilineage differentiation potential. Mesenchymal stem cells are widely investigated for cell therapy and disease modeling. Although many research are being conducted to address the challenges of mesenchymal stem cell therapy in clinics, most of the studies are still in infancy. Host cell microenvironment is one of the major factors affecting the homing of transplanted stem cell and understanding the factors affecting the fate of stem cells of prime important. In this study we aimed to understand the effects of serum deprivation in stem cells derived from human deciduous tooth. Our study aimed to understand the morphological, transcriptional, cell cycle and stemness based changes of stem cells in nutrient deprived medium. Our results suggest that stem cells in nutrient deprived media undergo low proliferation, high apoptosis and changed the differentiation potential of the stem cells. Serum deprived mesenchymal stem cells exhibited enhanced chondrogenic differentiation potential and reduced osteogenic differentiation potential. Moreover, the activation of key metabolic sensor AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) leads to activation of transcription factors such as FOXO3, which leads to an S phase quiescence. Serum deprivation also enhanced the expression of stemness related genes Sox2 and c-Myc.

Tinospora cordifolia (Thunb.) Miers (Giloy) inhibits oral cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner by inducing apoptosis and attenuating epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

BACKGROUND: Tinospora cordifolia (Thunb.) Miers (Giloy) has been applied successfully as an anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and even as an anti-cancer agent. Yet, to date, the application of Giloy has not been explored concerning oral cancer. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of T cordifolia (Thunb.) Miers (Giloy) extract (TcE) on an oral cancer cell line. METHODS: AW13516 (oral cancer cell line) cells were treated with the prepared aqueous extract of TcE for 24 h at various concentrations ranging between 5 µg/ml and 100 µg/ml and compared with control (cells without treatment). Thee effect of the extracts on apoptosis was assessed by through Annexin V flow cytometry assay and Luminometry based assessment of Caspase 8, 9 and caspase 3/7 activity. RNA was isolated from treated cells and gene expression of selected metastatic genes (MMP1, MMP10, and CXCL8); epithelial-mesenchymal stem cell genes (TWIST1, SNAIL, ZEB1, Oct4) and stemness related genses (Nanog, Sox2) were analyzed by using a quantitative real-time PCR system. The experiments were performed in triplicates. RESULTS: Aqueous extract of TcE was found to induce apoptosis inducer in AW13516 cells in a concentration-dependent manner and was potent even at a low concentration of 5 µg/ml. The apoptosis induction was confirmed with the caspase activity assay. Treatment of the cells with the extract for 24 h exhibited a significant decrease in the expression of EMT genes in a dose-dependent manner without an effect on the metastatic genes. CONCLUSION: Aqueous extract of TcE induces apoptosis-mediated cell death in the oral cancer cell line AW13516 while attenuating its potential for epithelial mesenchymal transition.

Assessing the potential use of chitosan scaffolds for the sustained localized delivery of vitamin D.

Vitamin D is a commonly used bone modulator in regenerative medicine. Several modalities have been explored for the delivery of vitamin D including nanoparticles and scaffold. The present study aimed to assess the potential use of a bio-degradable chitosan scaffold for the delivery of vitamin D. The objectives included fabrication of a bio-degradable chitosan scaffold, integration of vitamin D into the scaffold, characterization of the vitamin D integrated scaffold. Characterization was carried out using, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. The structure of the scaffold was assessed by scanning electron microscopy. The scaffold was placed in phosphate buffer saline and the release duration of vitamin D was observed using UV spectrophotometry. Dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells were added to the scaffold to study the scaffold associated toxicity and the functionality of the scaffold released vitamin D. The vitamin D release period from the scaffold was estimated to be for 80 hrs. MTT assay of the stem cells was comparable to that of the control group (stem cells cultured in media) inferring that the scaffold is not toxic towards the stem cells. The positive alizarin red S staining, a higher expression of alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and RunX2 confirmed the functional capability (osteogenic differentiation of the stem cells) of the released vitamin D. Based on the data from the present study, it can be inferred that chitosan scaffold can be used for the sustained delivery of functional vitamin D for 3-5 days.

Gingival crevicular fluid infiltrating CD14+ monocytes promote inflammation in periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a condition that occurs because of inflammation-mediated tissue degeneration. Many studies have been conducted to identify inflammatory molecules in periodontitis, but the well-defined role of cells from the immune system in the progression of periodontitis as well as in gingival tissue degeneration has not been appropriately established. The objective of the present study was to characterize the monocytes isolated from the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in patients with periodontitis. GCF was obtained from periodontitis patients and healthy controls. Cytokine levels of CCL2 were evaluated by ELISA in GCF samples. CD14+ monocytes were separated using magnetic sorting from GCF. RT-qPCR was performed to assess the gene expression. Cytometric bead array analysis was performed to analyze the levels of cytokines and chemokines in the secretome of cells. CD14+ monocytes from GCF secreted higher levels of CCL2 and showed elevated expression of genes responsible for monocyte migration. Additionally, upon lipopolysaccharide stimulation, these monocytes secreted higher levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. This investigation aids in understanding the inflammatory microenvironment of periodontitis by characterizing GCF in terms of infiltrated CD14+ monocytes, cytokines, and molecules secreted by these monocytes, which are specific for cellular differentiation.

Taurine Augments Telomerase Activity and Promotes Chondrogenesis in Dental Pulp Stem Cells.

BACKGROUND: Stem cell therapy has become an advanced and state-of-the-art procedure to regenerate lost tissues of the human body. Cartilage repair is a challenging task in which stem cells find potential application. One of the important biologic modifiers that can cause chondrogenic differentiation of stem cells is taurine. However, taurine has not been investigated for its effects on dental pulp derived stem cell (DPSC) chondrogenic differentiation. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to investigate if taurine administration to DPSCs heralds chondrogenic differentiation as ascertained by expression of SOX9, COL2A1, ACAN, ELN, and COMP. The study also investigated if the differentiated cells synthesized glycosaminoglycans, a marker of cartilage formation. The study also aimed to assess proliferative activity of the cells after taurine administration by measuring the hTERT gene and protein expression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DPSCs were obtained from a molecular biology laboratory and characterization of stem cell markers was done by flow cytometry. The cells were subjected to a MTT assay using various concentrations of taurine. Following this, hTERT gene and protein estimation was done in the control, telomerase inhibitor treated DPSC (TI-III), 10 µM taurine treated DPSC, and TI-III + 10 µM taurine treated DPSCs. A polymerase chain reaction was done to assess gene expression of SOX9, COL2A1, ACAN, ELN, and COMP genes and glycosaminoglycans were estimated in control cells, Induced DPSCs, induced and TI-III treated DPSCs, and 10 µM taurine treated DPSCs. RESULTS: DPSCs expressed CD73, CD90, and CD105 and did not express CD34, CD45, and HLA-DR, which demonstrated that they were mesenchymal stem cells. The MTT assay revealed that various concentrations of taurine did not affect the cell viability of DPSCs. A concentration of 10 µM of taurine was used for further assays. With regard to the hTERT gene and protein expression, the taurine treated cells expressed the highest levels that were statistically significant compared to the other groups. Taurine was also found to restore hTERT expression in telomerase inhibitor treated cells. With regard to chondrogenesis related genes, taurine administration significantly increased the expression of SOX9, COL2A1, ACAN, and ELN genes in DPSCs and caused a significant increase in glycosaminoglycan production by the cells. CONCLUSIONS: Taurine can be regarded a biologic modifier that can significantly augment chondrogenic differentiation of DPSCs and can find potential applications in regenerative medicine in the area of cartilage regeneration.

Viability of Quercetin-Induced Dental Pulp Stem Cells in Forming Living Cellular Constructs for Soft Tissue Augmentation.

Autogenous gingival grafts used for root coverage or gingival augmentation procedures often result in donor site morbidity. Living cellular constructs as an exogenous alternative have been proven to be associated with lower morbidity. With the available background information, the present study aims to assess if quercetin-induced living cell constructs, derived from dental pulp stem cells, have the potential to be applied as a tool for soft tissue augmentation. The characterized dental pulp stem cells (positive for CD73, CD90, and negative for CD34, HLA-DR) were expanded in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10 mM quercetin. The handling properties of the quercetin-induced dental pulp stem cell constructs were assessed by visual, and tactile sensation. A microscopic characterization using hematoxylin and eosin staining, and qRT-PCR-based analysis for stemness-associated genes (OCT4, NANOG, SOX2, and cMyc) was also performed. Dental pulp stem cells without quercetin administration were used as the control. Dental pulp stem cell constructs induced by quercetin easily detached from the surface of the plate, whereas there was no formation in the control cells. It was also simple to transfer the induced cellular construct on the flattened surface. Microscopic characterization of the constructs showed cells embedded in a tissue matrix. Quercetin also increased the expression of stemness-related genes. The use of quercetin-induced DPSC living constructs for soft tissue augmentation could provide an alternative to autogenous soft tissue grafts to lower patient morbidity and improve esthetic outcomes.

Adipogenic Stimulation and Pyrrolidine Dithiocarbamate Induced Osteogenic Inhibition of Dental Pulp Stem Cells Is Countered by Cordycepin.

BACKGROUND: dental pulp-derived stem cells are easy to access and collect and are an excellent source of stem cells for regenerative therapy. These cells can interact with many biomolecules and scaffolds and can pass on the instructive signals to the sites of regeneration where they are used. In this regard cordycepin, a potential biomolecule derived from medicinal mushrooms with a spectrum of bioactive properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer has not yet been tested for its effect on human dental pulp stem cells. OBJECTIVE: the objective of the present study was to assess the in vitro adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation potential of human dental pulp stem cells with or without induction after administration of cordycepin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: human dental pulp stem cells DPSCs were isolated from a healthy permanent tooth extracted for orthodontic purposes after obtaining informed consent. Flow cytometry technique was used to assess the surface markers of these cells such as CD73, CD90, and CD105, CD34, CD45, and HLA-DR. Further, an MTT assay was performed on the cells after subjecting them to various concentrations of cordycepin. Following this, the adipogenic and osteogenic potential of the dental pulp stem cells was assessed with or without induction under the influence/absence of 5 µM of cordycepin. The results obtained were statistically analyzed and documented. RESULTS: it was found that the dental pulp stem cells showed strong positive expression for CD73, CD90, and CD105 and faint expression of CD34, CD45, and HLA-DR. MTT assay revealed that 5 µM was the optimum concentration of cordycepin for all the assays. Concerning adipogenesis experiments, there was a statistically significant lowering of all the 4 adipogenesis-related genes PPARγ, FABP4, LPL, and C/EBPα following cordycepin treatment in the presence of induction compared to the only induction group and untreated control cells (p < 0.05). In connection with osteogenesis, was found that there was a statistically significant increase in the expression of RUNX2, COL1A1, OSX and OCN genes along with the increase in alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red staining in the DPSC treated with cordycepin along with the presence of induction and simultaneous addition of PDTC compared to the control untreated cells and cells treated with induction and simultaneous addition of PDTC (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: cordycepin can be exploited for its osteopromotive properties and can be used as a bioactive molecule alongside the administration of dental pulp stem cells in the area of regenerative biology and medicine.

Effect of Ascorbic Acid on Differentiation, Secretome and Stemness of Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Tooth (SHEDs).

Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) are considered a type of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) because of their unique origin from the neural crest. SHEDs can self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation with the ability to differentiate into odontoblasts, osteoblast, chondrocytes, neuronal cells, hepatocytes, adipocytes, etc. They are emerging as an ideal source of MSCs because of their easy availability and extraordinary cell number. Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, has many cell-based applications, such as bone regeneration, osteoblastic differentiation, or extracellular matrix production. It also impacts stem cell plasticity and the ability to sustain pluripotent activity. In this study, we evaluate the effects of ascorbic acid on stemness, paracrine secretion, and differentiation into osteoblast, chondrocytes, and adipocytes. SHEDs displayed enhanced multifaceted activity, which may have applications in regenerative therapy.

Dose-Dependent Effect of Cordycepin on Viability, Proliferation, Cell Cycle, and Migration in Dental Pulp Stem Cells.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of Cordycepin on the viability, proliferation, and migratory properties of dental pulp-derived mesenchymal stem cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The pulp was derived from human premolar teeth extracted for orthodontic purposes after obtaining informed consent. The samples were transferred to the laboratory for processing. DPSCs were expanded and characterized using flow cytometry and differentiation to the bone, adipose, and cartilage cells was examined. MTT Assay was performed using various concentrations of Cordycepin. The growth curve was plotted for 13 days. Cell cycle analysis was performed by flow cytometry. Migratory ability was assessed by wound healing assay. ROS generation was detected by flow cytometry. Gene expression was quantified by RT-qPCR. Statistical analysis was performed. p < 0.05 was considered as significant and p < 0.01 was considered as highly significant (* p < 0.05, and ** p < 0.01). RESULTS: DPSCs expressed characteristic MSC-specific markers and trilineage differentiation. Cordycepin at lower concentrations did not affect the viability of DPSCs. The growth curve of cells showed a dose-dependent increase in cell numbers till the maximum dose. DPSCs treated with 2.5 µM Cordycepin was found to have a reduced G1 phase cell percentage. DPSCs treated with 2.5 µM and 5 µM Cordycepin showed a significant decrease in G2 phase cells. No significant difference was observed for S phase cells. Cordycepin treatment affected the migratory ability in DPSCs in a concentration-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: Cordycepin can be used at therapeutic doses to maintain stem cells.