Objectives: Tissue-engineering therapies using undifferentiated mesenchymal cells (MSCs) from intra-oral origin have been tested in experimental animals. This experimental study compared the characteristics of undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells from either periodontal ligament or gingival origin, aiming to establish the basis for the future use of these cells on regenerative therapies.
Materials and methods: Gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) were obtained from de-epithelialized gingival biopsies, enzymatically digested and expanded in conditions of exponential growth. Their growth characteristics, phenotype, and differentiation ability were compared with those of periodontal ligament-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PDLMSCs).
Results: Both periodontal ligament- and gingiva-derived cells displayed a MSC-like phenotype and were able to differentiate into osteoblasts, chondroblasts, and adipocytes. These cells were genetically stable following in vitro expansion and did not generate tumors when implanted in immunocompromised mice. Furthermore, under suboptimal growth conditions, GMSCs proliferated with higher rates than PDLMSCs.
Conclusions: Stem cells derived from gingival biopsies represent bona fide MSCs and have demonstrated genetic stability and lack of tumorigenicity.
Clinical relevance: Gingiva-derived MSCs may represent an accessible source of messenchymal stem cells to be used in future periodontal regenerative therapies.
Keywords: Gingival; Mesenchymal stem cells; Periodontal ligament; Periodontal regeneration; Tissue engineering.