Cobalt Chloride as a Hypoxia Mimicking Agent Induced HIF-1α and mTOR Expressions of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the effects of cobalt chloride (CoCl2) as a hypoxia mimicking agent on human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) expression of HIF-1α and mTOR for use in regenerative dentistry. Material and Methods: Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and then cultured. The characteristics of stemness were screened and confirmed by flow cytometry. The experiment was conducted on hypoxia (H) and normoxia (N) groups. Each group was divided and incubated into 24-, 48-, and 72-hours observations. Hypoxic treatment was performed using 100 µM CoCl2 on 5th passage cells in a conventional incubator (37°C; 5CO2). Then, immunofluorescence of HIF-1α and mTOR was done. Data was analyzed statistically using One-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD. Results: Significant differences were found between normoxic and hypoxic groups on HIF-1α (p=0.015) and mTOR (p=0.000) expressions. The highest HIF-1α expression was found at 48 hours in the hypoxia group, while for mTOR at 24 hours in the hypoxia group. Conclusion: Hypoxia using cobalt chloride was able to increase human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells expression of HIF-1α and mTOR.

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells accelerate and increase implant osseointegration in diabetic rats

Abstract Objective This study was conducted to assess the effect of hUCMSCs injection on the osseointegration of dental implant in diabetic rats via Runt-related Transcription Factor 2 (Runx2), Osterix (Osx), osteoblasts, and Bone Implant Contact (BIC). Methodology The research design was a true experimental design using Rattus norvegicus Wistar strain. Rattus norvegicus were injected with streptozotocin to induce experimental diabetes mellitus. The right femur was drilled and loaded with titanium implant. Approximately 1 mm from proximal and distal implant site were injected with hUCMSCs. The control group was given only gelatin solvent injection. After 2 and 4 weeks of observation, the rats were sacrificed for further examination around implant site using immunohistochemistry staining (RUNX2 and Osterix expression), hematoxylin eosin staining, and bone implant contact area. Data analysis was done using ANOVA test. Results Data indicated a significant difference in Runx2 expression (p<0.001), osteoblasts (p<0.009), BIC value (p<0.000), and Osterix expression (p<0.002). In vivo injection of hUCMSCs successfully increased Runx2, osteoblasts, and BIC value significantly, while decreased Osterix expression, indicating an acceleration of the bone maturation process. Conclusion The results proved hUCMSCs to accelerate and enhance implant osseointegration in diabetic rat models.

Lipopolysaccharides' Cytotoxicity on Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Abstract Objective: To show the cytotoxicity of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUCMSCs) to better understand the characteristics for its application in regenerative procedures under periodontopathogen LPS influence. Material and Methods: Ultrapure Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS was used in this study. This research used a frozen stock HUCMSCs, previously confirmed by flow cytometry. The biological characteristics, such as cell morphology, proliferation, and protein expression, were screened. To check the cytotoxicity, HUCMSCs were cultured and divided into two groups, the control group and LPS group with various concentrations from 25 to 0.39 µg/mL. MTT assay was done and the cells were observed and counted. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: The percentage of living HUCMSCs on LPS group were not significantly different among concentrations (p>0.05) from 25 to 0.39 µg/mL, even though there were slight mean decrease between groups, but they were not significant. The duration of 24 hours of exposure of LPS does not significantly lower HUCMSCs viability. Conclusion: LPS does not affect the viability of HUCMSCs. The lower the concentration of LPS, the higher the viability of HUCMSCs.

Cytotoxicity of Calcium Hydroxide on Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Abstract Objective: To examine the cytotoxicity of calcium hydroxide on human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUCMSC) to understand the characteristics for use in regenerative dentistry procedures especially regenerative endodontics. Material and Methods: HUCMSC was isolated, cultured, and confirmed by flow cytometry. The biological characteristics, such as cell morphology, proliferation, and protein expression, were screened. To check the cytotoxicity, HUCMSC was cultured and divided into two groups, the control group (cultured in minimum essential medium (MEM) alpha) and calcium hydroxide group (cultured in MEM alpha and calcium hydroxide). Methyl-thiazole-tetrazolium (MTT) assay was done on different concentrations of calcium hydroxide (0.39 to 25 µg/mL) and the cells were observed and counted. One-way ANOVA test was used with a significance level set at 5%. Results: Flow cytometric analysis confirmed positive of CD73, CD90, CD105, negative of CD45 and CD34. A significant difference was found between the concentration of 6.25 and 3.125 µg/mL (p=0.004). There was no significant difference among 6.25, 12.5 and 25 µg/mL concentrations. There was also no significant difference among 0.39, 0.78, 1.56, and 3.125 µg/mL concentrations. Conclusion: Even though calcium hydroxide is a medicament of choice in clinical endodontics, it decreases the viability of HUCMSC. The lower the concentration of calcium hydroxide, the higher the viability of HUCMSC.