Effect of e coli expressed recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2(rhBMP-2) on stem cells for periodontal tissue regeneration: A preliminary study

Periodontal disease results in destruction of periodontal tissues(cementum, alveolar bone and periodontal ligament) which may ultimately lead to tooth loss. To date, there is no ideal treatment approach in achieving optimal periodontal tissue regeneration. Recruitment of progenitor cells to the site which could differentiate into cementoblasts, osteoblasts and periodontal ligament-forming cells are needed and recently, using pluripotent stem cells isolated from various tissues in conjugation with growth and differentiation factors have been presented to lead periodontal tissue regeneration. This study evaluated the effect of E coli expressed recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2(ErhBMP-2) to periodontal ligament stem cells(PDLSCs) and bone marrow stem cells(BMSCs) on periodontal tissue regeneration. rhBMP-2 those expressed from E coli was treated on ex-vivo expanded human BMSCs and PDLSCs to evaluate its regenerative effect in vivo and in vitro. Cementum, PDL-like tissues and bone were regenerated in transplanting PDLSCs and BMSCs, respectively. There was enhanced tissue regeneration when ErhBMP-2 was treated to PDLSCs, but not with BMSCs. Similar results were observed with in vitro experiments. Though further studies are needed, the results suggest a possible treatment approach in combining ErhBMP-2 and PDLSCs for periodontal tissues regeneration.