Long-term cryopreservation maintains pluripotency of stem cells of the apical papilla

A recent study has been published in the International Journal Of Dentistry establishing the long-term effect of cryopreservation of the stem cells of apical papilla extracted from the apical papilla of a tooth in its developing stage. These cells are considered as an important part of dental stem cells & are useful in Regenerative Endodontic Procedures (REPs).

Regenerative Endodontic Procedures (REPs) include a triad of three important factors: Stem cells, growth Factors & scaffolds. Apical papilla has been an incredible source for providing stem cells for regenerative endodontic procedures as it is a developing tissue formed and present only at the time of tooth development. Moreover, stem cells can be extracted from the same before the completion of the root formation.

The current study was focused on analyzing the effect of long-term cryopreservation of the stem cells of the apical papilla. Healthy immature third molars of humans aged between 16-22 years old and individuals having no medical history were collected for the study. The effect of long-term cryopreservation for a total of 19 months (at the interval of the 3rd,8th, and 19th month) of the observation period was noted. The stem cells of apical papilla including its differentiation capacity (osteogenic, chondrogenic, adipogenic), flow cytometry (immunophenotypic & molecular characteristic features of factors of transcription that are similar to the pluripotent nature) have been studied. The stem cells isolated from the apical papilla of wisdom teeth –SCAPs- have been extracted from the samples and transferred to the respective mediums for their culture.

The study revealed some interesting facts:

● Differentiation capacity including osteogenic, chondrogenic & adipogenic effects of SCAPs after 19 months of cryopreservation remained unchanged.

● Immunophenotypic as well as molecular characteristic features by flow cytometry remained unchanged.

● Typical fibroblast-like morphology was retained.

● No change has been observed at the transcriptional level verified by Q-PCR.

● Apart from the odontogenic differentiation capacity, other properties i.e angiogenic, proangiogenic properties (increasing vascularization), neurogenic & hepatogenic effect has also been observed.

The stem cells of the apical papilla have been considered as "Apical Papilla Treasure" and are more functional in comparison to the dental pulp stem cells, in the sense of faster colonization & deposition of mineralized tissue matrix- while withstanding the pulpal and periapical infection. The study concluded no negative effect of long-term cryopreservation of the SCAPs. Storage of these cells may also aid in advancements of future regenerative therapies such as bio root engineering, neural tissue repair & regeneration, also in ischemic diseases.

For the full article visit the link given below:

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijd/2022/6004350/

Source: International Journal Of Dentistry