• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.93-99
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• 2019

Telomeres are known as a specialized region in the end of chromosomes to protect DNA destruction, but their lengths are shortened by repetition of cell division. This telomere shortening can be preserved or be elongated by telomerase and TERT expression. Although a certain condition in the cells may affect to the cellular and molecular characteristics, the effect of differentiation induction to telomere length and telomerase activity in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been less studied. Therefore, the present study aimed to uncover periodical alterations of telomere length, telomerase activity and TERT expression in the dental pulp-derived MSCs (DP-MSCs) under condition of differentiation inductions into adipocytes and osteoblasts on a weekly basis up to 3 weeks. Shortening of telomere was significantly (p < 0.05) identified from early-middle stages of both differentiations in comparison with undifferentiated DP-MSCs by non-radioactive chemiluminescent assay and qRT-PCR method. Telomere length in undifferentiated DP-MSCs was 10.5 kb, but the late stage of differentiated DP-MSCs which can be regarded as the adult somatic cell exhibited 8.1-8.6 kb. Furthermore, the relative-quantitative telomerase repeat amplification protocol or western blotting presented significant (p < 0.05) decrease of telomerase activity since early stages of differentiations or TERT expression from middle stages of differentiations than undifferentiated state, respectively. Based on these results, it is supposed that shortened telomere length in differentiated DP-MSCs was remained along with prolonged differentiation durations, possibly due to weakened telomerase activity and TERT expression. We expect that the present study contributes on understanding differentiation mechanism of MSCs, and provides standardizing therapeutic strategies in clinical application of MSCs in the animal biotechnology.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.51 no.5
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• pp.329-341
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• 2021

Purpose: Periodontal treatment aims at complete regeneration of the periodontium, and developing strategies for periodontal regeneration requires a deep understanding of the tissues composing the periodontium. In the present study, the stemness characteristics and gene expression profiles of cementum-derived cells (CDCs) were investigated and compared with previously established human stem cells. Candidate marker proteins for CDCs were also explored. Methods: Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), pulp stem cells (PULPSCs), and CDCs were isolated and cultured from extracted human mandibular third molars. Human bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) were used as a positive control. To identify the stemness of CDCs, cell differentiation (osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic) and surface antigens were evaluated through flow cytometry. The expression of cementum protein 1 (CEMP1) and cementum attachment protein (CAP) was investigated to explore marker proteins for CDCs through reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. To compare the gene expression profiles of the 4 cell types, mRNA and miRNA microarray analysis of 10 samples of BMSCs (n=1), PDLSCs (n=3), PULPSCs (n=3), and CDCs (n=3) were performed. Results: The expression of mesenchymal stem cell markers with a concomitant absence of hematopoietic markers was observed in PDLSCs, PULPSCs, CDCs and BMSCs. All 4 cell populations also showed differentiation into osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic lineages. CEMP1 was strongly expressed in CDCs, while it was weakly detected in the other 3 cell populations. Meanwhile, CAP was not found in any of the 4 cell populations. The mRNA and miRNA microarray analysis showed that 14 mRNA genes and 4 miRNA genes were differentially expressed in CDCs vs. PDLSCs and PULPSCs. Conclusions: Within the limitations of the study, CDCs seem to have stemness and preferentially express CEMP1. Moreover, there were several up- or down-regulated genes in CDCs vs. PDLSCs, PULPSCs, and BMSCs and these genes could be candidate marker proteins of CDCs.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.399-408
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• 2004

Odontoblasts are responsible for the formation and maintenance of dentin. They are known to synthesize unique gene products including dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP). Another unique genes of the cells remain unclear. OD314 was isolated from the odontoblasts/pulp cells of rats and partially characterized as an odontoblast-enriched gene (Dey et al., 2001). This study aimed to elucidate the biological function of OD314, relating to odontoblast differentiation and dentinogenesis. After determining the open reading frame (ORP) of OD314 by transient transfection analysis using green fluorescent protein (GPP) expression vector, mRNA in-situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western analysis were performed. The results were as follows: 1. In in-situ hybridization, OD314 mRNAs were expressed in odontoblasts of developing coronal and root pulp. 2. OD314 was a novel protein encoding 154 amino acids, and the protein was mainly expressed in cytoplasm by transient transfection analysis. 3. Mineralized nodules were associated with multilayer cell nodules in the culture of human dental pulp cells and first detected from day 21 using alizarin-red S staining. 4. In RT-PCR analysis, OD314, osteocalcin (OC) and DSPP strongly expressed throughout 28 days of culture. Whereas, osteonectin (ON) mRNA expression stayed low up to day 14, and then gradually decreased from day 21. 5. Western blots showed an approximately 17 kDa band. OD314 protein was expressed from the start of culture and then increased greatly from day 21. In conclusion, OD314 is considered as an odontoblast-enriched gene and may play important roles in odontoblast differentiation and dentin mineralization.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.117-122
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• 2011

Endothelial cells are a vital constituent of most mammalian organs and are required to maintain the integrity of these tissues. These cells also play a major role in angiogenesis, inflammatory reactions, and in the regulation of thrombosis. Angiogenesis facilitates pulp formation and produces the vessels which are essential for the maintenance of tooth homeostasis. These vessels can also be used in bone and tissue regeneration, and in surgical procedures to place implants or to remove cancerous tissue. Furthermore, endothelial cell regeneration is the most critical component of the tooth generation process. The aim of the present study was to stimulate endothelial regeneration at a site of acute cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced endothelial injury by treatment with human umbilical cord-derived endothelial/mesenchymal stem cells (hEPCs). We randomly assigned 16 to 20-week-old female NOD/SCID mice into three separate groups, a hEPC ($1{\times}10^5$ cells) transplanted, 300mg/kg CP treated and saline (control) group. The mice were sacrificed on days 5 and 10 and blood was collected via the abdominal aorta for analysis. The alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), serum alkaline phosphatase (s-ALP), and albumin (ALB) levels were then evaluated. Tissue sections from the livers and kidneys were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) for microscopic analysis and were subjected to immunohistochemistry to evaluate any changes in the endothelial layer. CP treatment caused a weight reduction after one day. The kidney/body weight ratio increased in the hEPC treated animals compared with the CP only group at 10 days. Moreover, hEPC treatment resulted in reduced s-ALP, AST, ALT levels compared with the CP only group at 10 days. The CP only animals further showed endothelial injuries at five days which were recovered by hEPC treatment at 10 days. The number of CD31-positive cells was increased by hEPC treatment at both 5 and 10 days. In conclusion, the CP-induced disruption of endothelial cells is recovered by hEPC treatment, indicating that hEPC transplantation has potential benefits in the treatment of endothelial damage.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.192-198
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• 2012

Revascularization of the pulp in a necrotic, infected immature tooth with apical periodontitis was attempting several years. Revascularization of partially necrotic pulp in an immature tooth is based on the concept that vital dental stem cells can survive pulpal necrosis. Revascularization procedure obtains longer and thicker roots in teeth with necrotic pulp diagnosis. Pulp revascularization for immature permanent molars can be possibly applied on cases having difficulty to use conventional root canal treatment due to abnormally thin root canal wall or severe root curvature. Also, when an uncooperative patient does not agree with sedative treatment the revascularization can be useful. And a patient with disability who is barely cooperative can be another indication of this treatment. In this case report, pulp revascularization using triple-antibiotics, metronidazole, ciprofloxacine and minocycline, was applied on the immature first permanent molar infected by caries.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.15-18
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• 1976

The authors has observed the effect of X-ray irradiation on the dentin matrix formation of the albino rat fetuses. The lower abdomen of the pregnant ratswere exposed to X-ray on the 9 1/2th day of gestation, respectively 150, 250 and 350 rads. The fetuses of the right sides of the same pregnant rats which were not exposed to X-ray were as controls. The results were as follows: 1) In the 150 rads irradiated fetuses, predentin formation was identical with control groups, but the arrangement of odontoblasts was distorted, subodontoblastic layer was condesed with pulp cells and blood capillaries were enlarged. 2) In the 250 rads irradiation, dentin matrix was imperfact or osteodentin was occured. Short columnar or cuboidal odontoblasts were presented and pulp cells were dispersed. Blood capillaries were cogested. 3) 350 rads irradiated fetuses showed osteodentin matrix and numerous degenerated odontoblasts. Their dental papilla showed reticular atrophy and enlarged capillary.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.39 no.11
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• pp.790-796
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• 2016

Dental pulp is a highly vascularized tissue requiring adequate blood supply for successful regeneration. In this study, we investigated the functional role of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) as a perivascular source for in vivo formation of vessel-like structures. Primarily isolated SHEDs showed mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-like characteristics including the expression of surface antigens and in vitro osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potentials. Moreover, SHEDs were positive for NG2, ${\alpha}$-smooth muscle actin (SMA), platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta ($PDGFR{\beta}$), and CD146 as pericyte markers. To prove feasibility of SHEDs as perivascular source, SHEDs were transplanted into immunodeficient mouse using Matrigel with or without human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Transplantation of SHEDs alone or HUVECs alone resulted in no formation of vessel-like structures with enough red blood cells. However, when SHEDs and HUVECs were transplanted together, extensive vessel-like structures were formed. The presence of murine erythrocytes within lumens suggested the formation of anastomoses between newly formed vessel-like structures in Matrigel plug and the host circulatory system. To understand underlying mechanisms of in vivo angiogenesis, the expression of angiogenic cytokine and chemokine, their receptors, and MMPs was compared between SHEDs and HUVECs. SHEDs showed higher expression of1VEGF, SDF-$1{\alpha}$, and $PDGFR{\beta}$ than HUVECs. On the contrary, HUVECs showed higher expression of VEGF receptors, CXCR4, and PDGF-BB than SHEDs. This differential expression pattern suggested reciprocal interactions between SHEDs and HUVECs and their involvement during in vivo angiogenesis. In conclusion, SHEDs could be a feasible source of perivascular cells for in vivo angiogenesis.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.419-424
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• 2003

이 연구의 목적은 원래의 치수조직과 유사한 조직을 재생하기 위한 pulp tissue engineering의 한 방법으로 건전한 조직으로부터 배양된 치수세포와 쥐의 조섬유세포(NIH 3T3 cell)를 Rat tail type I collagen solution에서 3차원적으로 관찰하기 위한 것으로, 콜라젠 젤의 수축량과 세포의 증식 량을 비교하였으며, 또한 마모된 사람치아의 표면과 배양용기에서 두 세포의 증식 량을 비교하여 다음과 같은 결과를 얻었다. 1. 콜라젠 젤에 NIH 3T3 세포를 배양한 경우 그 수축량은 최소였으나, 치수세포를 배양한 경우 그 수축량은 현저하였다. 2. 서로 다른 수의 치수세포를 콜라젠 젤에서 배양시킨 경우 세포 수가 많을수록 수축량이 증가하였으며, 세포가 없는 콜라젠 젤은 수축하지 않았다. 3. 치수세포를 콜라젠 젤에서 18일간 배양시킨 후 세포의 증식은 거의 없는 반면, NIH 3T3 세포는 계속 증식하였다. 4. 마모된 사람 치아 표면과 배양 용기에서 치수세포와 NIH 3T3세포를 배양한 경우 NIH 3T3세포가 치수세포에 비해 빠르게 증식 하였으며 , 특히 사람 치아의 표면에서 NIH 3T3세포가 현저히 빠른 증식을 보였다. 이상의 결과는 치수세포를 type I collagen gel에서 3차원 적으로 배양 후 치수조직의 재생을 유도하는 pulp tissue engineering에 관한 연구에 발판이 될 것으로 사료된다.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.304-314
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• 2023

Background and Objectives: Ear cartilage malformations are commonly encountered problems in reconstructive surgery, since cartilage has low self-regenerating capacity. Malformations that impose psychological and social burden on one's life are currently treated using ear prosthesis, synthetic implants or autologous flaps from rib cartilage. These approaches are challenging because not only they request high surgical expertise, but also they lack flexibility and induce severe donor-site morbidity. Through the last decade, tissue engineering gained attention where it aims at regenerating human tissues or organs in order to restore normal functions. This technique consists of three main elements, cells, growth factors, and above all, a scaffold that supports cells and guides their behavior. Several studies have investigated different scaffolds prepared from both synthetic or natural materials and their effects on cellular differentiation and behavior. Methods and Results: In this study, we investigated a natural scaffold (alginate) as tridimensional hydrogel seeded with progenitors from different origins such as bone marrow, perichondrium and dental pulp. In contact with the scaffold, these cells remained viable and were able to differentiate into chondrocytes when cultured in vitro. Quantitative and qualitative results show the presence of different chondrogenic markers as well as elastic ones for the purpose of ear cartilage, upon different culture conditions. Conclusions: We confirmed that auricular perichondrial cells outperform other cells to produce chondrogenic tissue in normal oxygen levels and we report for the first time the effect of hypoxia on these cells. Our results provide updates for cartilage engineering for future clinical applications.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.131-143
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• 1984

150 rats weighting about 150gm were devided into control group of 80 and experimental group of 70. Control group was subdivided into the irradiated vitamin D injection group and X-ray irradiated group. Experimental group was given 2.0mg ergocalciferol by four intramuscular injection prior to X-ray irradiation with single 800 rads and 1,500 rads respectively. Experimental animals from each group was sacrificed after 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days and their incisors were investigated by histopathological examination. The results were as follows; 1. In the irradiated groups, it showed dentin hypoplasia and formation of dentinoid substance caused by degeneration of odontoblast at the early stage. Especially, 1,500 rads group which was severely effected showed formation of osteoid dentin at the apical portion and severe injuries of dental papilla at the first week. 2. In the vitamin D2 administration group, it showed thinned dentin layer at the early stage but, taking time, predentin and dentin layer was thickened. At the fourth week, dentin was chiefly composed of interglobular dentin, especially in the lingual portion. 3. Using in combination of overdose vitamin D2 administration and X-ray irradiation, it effected severely odontoblast, undifferentiated mesenchymal cells around tooth germ and pulp tissue. At the early stage, dentin layer was thinned but, taking time, it was thickened and composed of interglobular dentin caused by calcification of predentin layer. 4. In 800 rads irradiation after the overdose vitamin D2 administration, it showed formation of osteoid dentin in the lingual portion at the first week. In the 1,500 rads irradiation after the overdose vitamin D2 administration, it showed formation of osteoid dentin and degeneration of ameloblast in both buccal and lingual portion at the first week, and enamel hypoplasia caused by edema and loss of polarity of ameloblasts at the second week. 5. By the entire experiment, the overdose vitamin D2 administration and X-ray irradiation effected severely odontoblasts, undifferentiated mesenchymal cells of dental papilla, and primitive cells of tooth germ among the dental tissue. Especially using combination of overdose vitamin D2 administration and X-ray irradiation also effected ameloblasts, resulting in enamel hypoplasia.