The influence of bone block graft position on bone dimensional changes in staged onlay horizontal ridge augmentation: A 6-month retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze changes in bone dimensions and their modulating factor in bone dimensions 6 months after horizontal ridge augmentation using autogenous bone grafts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight patients with horizontally atrophic alveolar ridges of a single edentulous tooth at the maxillary anterior site were divided into two groups based on the fixation position of the bone block during ridge augmentation surgery (H0, vertical distance from the upper edge of the bone block to the alveolar crest). Patients were classified into a crestal level (CL) group if H0 ≤ 1 mm and a sub-crestal level (SCL) group if H0 > 1 mm. The width and height of the alveolar ridge were recorded using CBCT both before and 6 months after the augmentation procedure. RESULTS: The CL group comprised 20 patients with 23 implants, whereas the SCL group comprised 18 patients with 22 implants. All the augmentation sites exhibited vertical bone resorption. Vertical bone resorption in the SCL group (1.94 ± 2.11 mm) was significantly higher than that of the CL group (0.61 ± 0.64 mm). The SCL group showed significantly lower horizontal bone gain than the CL group (SCL: 1.02 ± 2.30 mm; CL: 3.19 ± 3.17 mm) at the cervical level. Peri-implant marginal bone loss increased significantly in the SCL group (1.00 ± 2.71 mm) compared to the CL group (0.64 ± 0.40 mm). CONCLUSION: The bone height decreased after horizontal ridge augmentation using autogenous onlay grafting. The fixation position of the bone block was a modulating factor. The SCL group showed more vertical bone loss, less horizontal bone gain 6 months after surgery, and more marginal bone loss after restoration.

A nomogram prediction of implant apical non-coverage on bone-added transcrestal sinus floor elevation: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the risk indicators and develop and validate a nomogram prediction model of implant apical non-coverage by comprehensively analyzing clinical and radiographic factors in bone-added transcrestal sinus floor elevation (TSFE). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 260 implants in 195 patients receiving bone-added TSFE were included in the study. The population was divided into a development (180 implants) and a validation (80 implants) cohort. According to 6 months post-surgery radiographic images, implants were categorized as "apical non-coverage" or "apical covered." The association of risk factors including clinical and radiographic parameters with implant apical non-coverage was assessed using regression analyses. A nomogram prediction model was developed, and its validation and discriminatory ability were analyzed. RESULTS: The nomogram predicting bone-added TSFE's simultaneously placed implant's apex non-coverage after 6 months. This study revealed that sinus angle, endo-sinus bone gain, implant protrusion length, graft contact walls, and distal angle were predictors of implant apical non-coverage. The generated nomogram showed a strong predictive capability (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.845), confirmed by internal validation using 10-fold cross-validation (Median AUC of 0.870) and temporal validation (AUC = 0.854). The calibration curve and decision curve analysis demonstrated good performance and high net benefit of the nomogram, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical implementation of the present nomogram is suitable for predicting the apex non-coverage of implants placed simultaneously with bone-added TSFE after 6 months.

Effect of a dynamic navigation device on the accuracy of implant placement in the completely edentulous mandible: An in vitro study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: A less invasive and more convenient workflow is needed for dynamic navigation-guided implant surgery for the edentulous arch. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the accuracy of a novel dynamic navigation device developed for the completely edentulous mandible. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two temporary 1-piece mini-implants were placed in the anterior region of a completely edentulous mandibular model for fixation of the navigation device. A total of 40 implants were inserted in 10 completely edentulous mandibular models with the aid of the dynamic navigation device. The accuracy of placement was determined by overlapping the preoperative plan with the postoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. The difference in the accuracy at different implant positions was compared by MANOVA and Bonferroni-corrected ANOVAs. The difference in accuracy between implants #1-20 and #21-40 was assessed for learning progression. RESULTS: The deviation of the implants (mean ±standard deviation) was 1.14 ±0.50 mm at the entry point and 1.29 ±0.48 mm at the apex. The mean ±standard deviation angular deviation was 3.02 ±1.32 degrees. No significant difference was seen between the planned and the placed deviation among the 4 implant positions. After repeated placement with this dynamic approach, implant accuracy at the entry (P=.001) and apex (P=.017) improved significantly. CONCLUSIONS: The navigation device achieved acceptable implant placement accuracy in the edentulous mandible. Deviations between the planned and placed locations were not affected by different implant positions. After repeated operations with this dynamic approach, accuracy at the entry and apex improved significantly.

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound promotes proliferation and myelinating genes expression of Schwann cells through NRG1/ErbB signaling pathway.

Schwann cells (SCs) are the major component of myelin sheath in the peripheral nervous system, which are necessary in the development, function maintenance, and repair of peripheral nerves. This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanism of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) affecting the proliferation and myelinating activity of SCs. Rat Schwann cell line RSC96 were cultured and exposed to LIPUS of different duty ratios (control, 20 %, 50 %, 80 %). Results demonstrated that LIPUS with a duty ratio of 50 % showing the maximal effect in facilitating proliferation of SCs. The expressions of Krox20 and myelin basic protein (MBP), the key molecules of SC myelination, and the potent inducer of myelination neuregulin 1 (NRG1) and its receptors ErbB2 and ErbB3 increased significantly by LIPUS. The reaction of these factors to LIPUS were both time- and duty ratio-dependent: namely LIPUS with higher duty ratios took effects when applied repeatedly over more consecutive days. These observations indicated that NRG1/ErbB signaling pathway might contribute to the effects of LIPUS on the proliferation and myelinating status of SCs, which could be one of the mechanisms in the protective role of LIPUS in nerve repair and regeneration. Our work provided novel insights for promising strategies of nerve repair therapy.

Application of an assembled surgical guide for lateral approach sinus augmentation and sinus septum management: A technical note.

The presence of maxillary septa may render sinus augmentation more challenging particularly when encountered at the ideal implant position. This article demonstrated a novel technique for lateral access sinus augmentation using an assembled surgical guide to achieve proper lateral window outline, precise septum identification and osteotomy, and secure membrane detachment. This technique increases the predictability and efficiency of the procedure while reducing the risk of complications.

Comparison of the accuracy of immediate implant placement using static and dynamic computer-assisted implant system in the esthetic zone of the maxilla: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the accuracy of fully guided between dynamic and static computer-assisted implant surgery (CAIS) systems for immediate implant placement in the esthetic zone. METHODS: A total of 40 qualified patients requiring immediate implant placement in the esthetic zone were randomly and equally assigned to either static CAIS group (n = 20) or dynamic CAIS groups (n = 20). Global deviations at entry, apex, and angular deviation between placed and planned implant position were measured and compared as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes were the deviation of implant placement at mesial-distal, labial-palatal, and coronal-apical directions. RESULTS: For the immediate implant placement, the mean global entry deviations in static and dynamic CAIS groups were 0.99 ± 0.63 mm and 1.06 ± 0.55 mm (p = 0.659), while the mean global apex deviations were 1.50 ± 0.75 mm and 1.18 ± 0.53 mm (p = 0.231), respectively. The angular deviation in the static and dynamic CAIS group was 3.07 ± 2.18 degrees and 3.23 ± 1.67 degrees (p = 0.547). No significant differences were observed for the accuracy parameters of immediate implant placement between static and dynamic CAIS systems, except the deviation of the implant at entry in the labial-palatal direction in the dynamic CAIS group was significantly more labial than of the static CAIS (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that clinically acceptable accuracy of immediate implant placement could be achieved using static and dynamic CAIS systems. Trial registration ChiCTR, ChiCTR2200056321. Registered 3 February 2022, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=151348.

[Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of four components from root bark of Caesalpinia decapetala in rats by UPLC-MS/MS].

To identify the pharmacodynamic material basis of root bark of Caesalpinia decapetala extract and clarify the dynamic changes and distribution characteristics of the compounds in vivo.UPLC-MS/MS was used for simultaneous determination of 3-deoxysappanchalcone, isoliquiritigenin, protosappanin B, and protosappanin B-10-O-ß-D-glucoside in plasma, heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, stomach and duodenum of rats, to further study the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of root bark of C.decapetala extract in rats.Statistical analysis of obtained data demonstrated that the established analytical methods of the four components in biological matrix met the requirements of biological sample determination.The pharmacokinetic parameters showed that the t_(1/2 z), T_(max), C_(max), AUC_(0-t), MRT_(0-t), and CL_(z/F) of each component were 4.57-13.47 h, 0.22-0.51 h, 27.60-6 418.38 µg·L~(-1), 112.45-11 824.25 h·µg·L~(-1), 3.89-9.01 h, and 9.85-96.87 L·h~(-1)·kg~(-1), respectively.The results of tissue distribution revealed that at different time points, the components were widely but unevenly distributed in the body.Specifically, they were more distributed in the stomach and duodenum, followed by liver, spleen, lung, and kidney, and the least distribution was observed in the heart.

Implant placement in the pterygoid region with dynamically navigated surgery: A clinical report.

Implant placement in the pterygoid region is a reliable treatment for posterior maxillary tooth loss. However, the surgery is not widely applied because the implant placement region is hard to access and the direct visual access is limited. This clinical report describes the use of a dynamic navigation system to improve the pterygoid implant placement surgery. Real-time imaging of the surgery area and full-time guidance are provided by the system to alleviate the problem of lack of visibility and to reduce the complexity of placement.

Clinical application and new progress of dynamic navigation system in the field of oral implantology / 口腔疾病防治

@#Currently, computer-aided implant surgeries include implant placement surgery under the guidance of a dynamic navigation system. With the use of software inherent in the navigation system, doctors can make a preoperative plan including the ideal position of the implant. Then the plan can be accurately transferred to the surgery, during which the real-time condition of the drill and its relationship with the surgical region will be visualized by the surgeon and the drill can be adjusted in a timely manner. Currently the dynamic navigation system is increasingly widely utilized, especially in cases of esthetic zones or surgical sites with important anatomical structures. However, the clinical workflow of the navigation system is complicated, including CBCT taken after the registration device placement, prosthetic-driven 3D design, calibration, registration, navigated borehole preparation and implant placement surgery. Many details should be considered when the device is applied, including implant position design, fixation of the tracking device, registration, and stable borehole preparation under the guidance of dynamic navigation. Therefore, this article introduces the dynamic navigation system into the clinical workflow and evaluates, the effects of the application and the clinical features. The new progress of the navigation system in the field of implantology is demonstrated at the same time, including navigated surgery in fully edentulous arches and in the zygomatic zone. Further improvements in the navigation system in terms of the accuracy and simplification of the workflow are needed in the future.

The thickness of labial bone affects the esthetics of immediate implant placement and provisionalization in the esthetic zone: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: A 1-2 mm thick labial plate is generally advocated in immediate implant placement and provisionalization (IIPP). However, most of the human labial plates fail to meet this requirement. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of labial plate thickness on hard tissue, soft tissue, and esthetic outcomes in IIPP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, 40 patients received IIPP of 50 single-crown implants in the anterior maxilla. Patients were categorized into three groups according to their presurgical thickness of labial bone: 0-0.5, 0.5-1, and ≥ 1 mm. CBCT, mucosa recession and the papilla index were used to analyze labial hard and soft tissue alterations with a 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: At 1 year, OCI bone losses were 1.17 ± 0.73, 0.37 ± 0.39, 0.46 ± 0.35 mm; ICH bone losses were 2.23 ± 1.83, 0.74 ± 0.71, 0.72 ± 1.27 mm; TM recessions were 1.00 ± 0.51, -0.06 ± 0.37, -0.30 ± 0.88 mm; TL recessions were 0.61 ± 1.02, -0.18 ± 0.40, -0.26 ± 1.15 mm; TD recessions were 0.61 ± 1.02, -0.18 ± 0.40, -0.26 ± 1.15 mm; PIS scores were 1.63 ± 0.64, 2.20 ± 0.71, 2.71 ± 0.57 in group 0-0.5, 0.5-1 and ≥ 1 mm, respectively. No statistical significance was found between group 0.5-1 and ≥ 1 mm in bone resorption, gingival recession, and papilla index. The bone resorption and gingival recession were significantly the highest in group 0-0.5 mm at 6 months and 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Group 0.5-1 mm had similar tissue dimensional alteration as group ≥1 mm, while group <0.5 mm suffered more massive bone resorption and gingival recession. Concerning the thickness of the labial plate, this study may suggest an expansion in the indication of IIPP.

Cyclic tensile stress promotes osteogenic differentiation of adipose stem cells via ERK and p38 pathways.

The present study aimed to elucidate whether extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases pathways participate in the transduction of mechanical stretch exerted on adipose stem cells (ASCs) into intracellular osteogenic signals, and if so whether both pathways have time-dependent feature. Rat ASCs were cultured in osteogenic medium for 72 h and assigned into three sets, namely ERK1/2 inhibitor treated set, p38 inhibitor treated set, and the control set. After inhibitor treatment, all cells were subjected to cyclic stretch(2000 µÎµ, 1 Hz) on a four-point bending mechanical loading device. Protein and mRNA samples were acquired at six time points: 0, 15 min, 30 min, 1 h, 2 h and 6 h. Western blot showed phosphorylation level of ERK1/2 was elevated by cyclic tensile stress at all time points, while p38 at 15 min, 30 min and 1 h, and the elevation can be completely blocked by corresponding inhibitors. The treatment by ERK1/2 inhibitor was shown to antagonize the up-regulation of osteogenic genes bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) by mechanical stretch at 15 min and 6 h, whereas p38 inhibitor took effect at 15 min only. The results suggested both ERK and p38 could be positive mediators of stretch-induced osteogenic differentiation of ASCs, and ERK stimulate the stretch-induced osteogenic differentiation at both early and late stages while p38 responds to mechanical stretch in a more rapid fashion.

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound upregulates pro-myelination indicators of Schwann cells enhanced by co-culture with adipose-derived stem cells.

OBJECTIVES: Peripheral nerve injuries are a common occurrence, resulting in considerable patient suffering; it also represents a major economic burden on society. To improve treatment options following peripheral nerve injuries, scientists aim to find a way to promote Schwann cell (SC) myelination to help nerves to carry out their functions effectively. In this study, we investigated myelination ability of SCs, regulated by co-culture with adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) or low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), and synergistic effects of combined treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Schwann cells were co-cultured with or without ASCs, and either left untreated or treated with LIPUS for 10 min/d for 1, 4 or 7 days. Effects of LIPUS and ASC co-culture on pro-myelination indicators of SCs were analysed by real-time PCR (RT-PCR), Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining (IF). RESULTS: Our results indicate that ASC-SC co-culture and LIPUS, together or individually, promoted mRNA levels of epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (EGFR3/ErbB3), neuregulin1 (NRG1), early growth response protein 2 (Egr2/Krox20) and myelin basic protein (MBP), with corresponding increases in protein levels of ErbB3, NRG1 and Krox20. Interestingly, combination of ASC-SC co-culture and LIPUS displayed the most remarkable effects. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that ASCs upregulated pro-myelination indicators of SCs by indirect contact (through co-culture) and that effects could be potentiated by LIPUS. We conclude that LIPUS, as a mechanical stress, may have potential in nerve regeneration with potential clinical relevance.

The role of miRNAs in the differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are defined as a group of endogenous single-stranded noncoding RNAs that have the ability to downregulate gene expression. Recent research suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) have a critical role in regulating the self-renewal and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs, isolated from various adult tissue sources, are able to differentiate into multiple lineages, which are regulated by genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Adipose- derived stem cells (ADSCs), originating from the vasculature of adipose tissue, share many properties of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). With advantages in both method and quantity of acquisition, ADSCs have become an alternative source of seeding cells. It has been shown that a complex system including various growth factors, transcription factors and signaling pathways could temporally control and regulate MSC differentiation into certain types of mature cells. This review briefly summarizes the biology of miRNAs and ADSCs. We then provide basic information regarding the molecular mechanisms of miRNA regulation in MSC differentiation and discuss several examples of that regulation in ADSC differentiation. Last, we provide perspectives on the progress in identification of the functions of miRNAs in ADSC differentiation.

Polymeric nanoparticles for a drug delivery system.

In recent years, nanotechnology research has made great strides in the area of pharmacy, especially for drug delivery systems. Polymeric nanoparticles provide significant stability in anti-neoplastic drug research and have demonstrated the ability to solve the problems of therapeutic efficacy and diagnostic sensitivity. In this review, we describe the specific advantages of polymeric nanoparticles and their applications for a drug delivery system. The latest research on PHA-based polymeric nanoparticles and PLGA is also discussed.

Comparison of Effects of Mechanical Stretching on Osteogenic Potential of ASCs and BMSCs.

Mechanical forces play critical roles in the development and remodeling processes of bone. As an alternative cell source for bone engineering, adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) should be fully investigated for their responses to mechanical stress. Similarly, the osteogenic potential, stimulated by mechanical stress, should be compared with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), which have been clinically used for bone tissue engineering. In this study, ASCs and BMSCs were osteogenic-induced for 48 hours, and then subjected to uniaxial mechanical stretching for 2 or 6 hours. Cell orientation, osteogenic regulatory genes, osteogenic genes and ALP activities were measured and compared between ASCs and BMSCs. ASCs could align in a perpendicular way to the direction of stretching stress, while BMSCs did not present a specific alignment. Both 2 and 6 hours mechanical stretching could enhance the mRNA expression of Osx and Runx2 in BMSCs and ASCs, while OCN mRNA only increased in ASCs after 6 hours mechanical loading. Mechanical stretching enhanced the BMP-2 mRNA expression in ASCs, while only after 6 hours of mechanical loading significantly increased the BMP-2 gene expression in BMSCs. Significant differences only exist between ASCs and BMSCs loaded at 2 hours of mechanical stretching. It is concluded that ASCs are more rapid responders to mechanical stress, and have greater potential than BMSCs in osteogenesis when stimulated by mechanical stretching, indicating their usefulness for bone study in a rat model.

Explant culture: an efficient method to isolate adipose-derived stromal cells for tissue engineering.

Enzymatic digestion, the commonly used method of adipose-derived stromal cells isolation, is time consuming and expensive, especially when applied to large volumes of tissue. In the present study, the characteristics of the cells obtained by adipose tissue explant culture were studied. We found that adipose tissue fragments could adhere onto the growth surface of flasks in a very short time after plating and that fibroblast-like cells migrated from the explants and reached confluence. Morphologic analysis and surface markers expression suggested the mesenchymal origin of the cells derived from adipose tissue explants. After in vitro expansion these cells were successfully induced into adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic lineages, which demonstrated their multipotency. The high growth rate and colony-forming efficiency of explant-derived cells were similar to those of cells obtained by digestion. Furthermore, explant culture gave higher yield of cells than digestion method after primary culture. The experiment of ectopic adipogenesis in nude mice suggested the prospects for tissue engineering of these cells. In conclusion, we obtained multipotent stromal cells from adipose tissue by explant culture, and this method was simple, time saving, and gave a high yield of cells. Therefore, explant culture can be used as an effective way to isolate adipose-derived stromal cells for tissue engineering.

Uniaxial cyclic tensile stretch inhibits osteogenic and odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells.

As the most important organs of occlusion, teeth are subjected to a variety of mechanical stresses. These stresses are transmitted into the dental pulp tissue and affect the dental pulp stem cells. In this study, human dental pulp stem cells were isolated from human impacted third molars and their multilineage differentiation abilities were tested. Human dental pulp stem cells were then exposed to cyclic tensile stretch. The results showed that the cyclic tensile stretch inhibited the expression of osteogenic marker genes and proteins such as BMP-2, OCN and ALP. Simultaneously, odontogenic marker genes and proteins such as DSPP, DSP and BSP were also inhibited by the mechanical stress. It was concluded that cyclic tensile stretch inhibits the osteogenic and odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells.

Effect of FDC-SP on the phenotype expression of cultured periodontal ligament cells.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, a novel protein, follicular dendritic cell secreted protein (FDC-SP), has been identified in human periodontal ligament (PDL) tissue and a biomolecular study suggested that the expression of FDC-SP might be associated with the expression of the PDL phenotype. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of FDC-SP on the proliferation and phenotype of PDL cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Periodontal ligament cells obtained following the 3(rd) passage were exposed to various concentrations of FDC-SP. The cell proliferation was monitored by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay. Then, as a measure of osteogenic activity, the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was recorded after 4, 7, and 14 days using p-nitrophenylphosphate as a substrate. Finally, total RNA was extracted and RT-PCR was performed for gene analysis. RESULTS: The results indicated that PDL cells exposed to 50 ng/ml FDC-SP could proliferate more rapidly. RT-PCR results showed that the mRNA expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was obviously upregulated and the mRNA expression of osteocalcin (OCN) and bone sialoprotein (BSP) were downregulated in PDL cells exposed to FDC-SP. Moreover, two groups of PDL cells exposed to FDC-SP showed a significant decrease of ALP activity during all the culture days. CONCLUSIONS: In sum, the findings observed in this study suggest that FDC-SP in PDL cells could positively affect the proliferation and act as a fibroblastic phenotype stabilizer by inhibiting their differentiation into mineralized tissue-forming cells.

Auto-transplanted mesenchymal stromal cell fate in periodontal tissue of beagle dogs.

BACKGROUND AIMS: Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) possess multilineage differentiation potential and characteristics of self-renewal. It has been reported that MSC can acquire characteristics of cells in the periodontal ligament (PDL) in vitro. Moreover, the transplantation of MSC has been shown to be a promising strategy for treating periodontal defects. However, little is known about the fate of MSC in periodontal tissue in vivo. The aim of this study was to trace the paths of MSC after transplantation into periodontal tissues in vivo. METHODS: MSC labeled with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) were transplanted into periodontal defects of beagle dogs. Six weeks after surgery, the animals were killed and decalcified specimens were prepared. Migration and differentiation of MSC were detected by single/double immunohistochemistry and a combination of immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. RESULTS: BrdU-labeled MSC were observed distributing into periodontal tissue that included alveolar bone, PDL, cementum and blood vessels and expressing surface markers typical of osteoblasts and fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS: Cumulatively, our data suggest that MSC migrate throughout periodontal tissue and differentiate into osteoblasts and fibroblasts after transplantation into periodontal defects at 6 weeks in vivo, and have the potential to regenerate periodontal tissue.

Effects of gamma-secretase inhibition on the proliferation and vitamin D(3) induced osteogenesis in adipose derived stem cells.

As a gamma-secretase inhibitor, DAPT has been widely used to evaluate the biological behaviors and Notch signaling pathway in various cells. This study was aimed to examine the effects of DAPT on the growth and vitamin D(3) induced osteogenesis in adipose derived stem cells (ASCs). The cells were treated with or without DAPT and induced to osteoblastic lineage in the presence of vitamin D(3). Alizarin red staining and real-time PCR results indicated that the addition of DAPT to vitamin D(3) treatments enhanced osteogenesis in ASCs. According to the fold increase and colony-forming unit assay results, the cells cultured in DAPT exhibited lower proliferation rate than those cultured in control medium. Hey1, expressed in the nucleus of ASCs to act as a transcriptional repressor, was downregulated when Notch signaling was inhibited by DAPT. Whereas the expression of Runx2 increased in the nucleus of osteogenic induced ASCs after DAPT treatment. This study demonstrated that DAPT reduced the proliferation and enhanced the osteogenesis in ASCs via regulation of Notch and Runx2 expression.