17beta-estradiol promotes cementoblast proliferation and cementum formation in experimental periodontitis.
BACKGROUND
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that leads to the destruction of the tooth-supporting tissues. Its treatment includes the arrest of the inflammatory process and, in some circumstances, the restoration of the lost anatomy and function, including the formation of new cementum, periodontal ligament (PDL), and bone. With this goal, we investigated the effects of low concentrations of 17beta-estradiol on human cementoblast proliferation and its possible regenerative potential in vivo.


METHODS
Human cementum-derived cells obtained from a healthy human premolar were isolated and characterized by immunocytochemistry. Cell proliferation assays were performed to test the effects of 100 nM 17beta-estradiol and enamel matrix derivative (EMD). Three-wall intrabony periodontal defects were created in beagle dogs. After 1 month of plaque accumulation, 0.225 mg 17beta-estradiol impregnated in a collagen sponge was applied to randomly selected defects (test group), whereas a collagen sponge impregnated in a culture medium was applied to the control group. After 3 months, specimens were obtained, and tissue regeneration was assessed by histometric analysis.


RESULTS
Cells spreading out from human tooth-layer explants were able to form cell colonies, produce a mineral matrix, and express osteocalcin, indicating they were cementoblast-like cells. In contrast, PDL fibroblasts did not express osteocalcin. 17beta-estradiol, but not EMD, increased the rate of human cementoblast cell proliferation in vitro by 2.5-fold. Histometric results from the treated periodontal defects revealed that 17beta-estradiol promoted the formation of 2.94 mm of new cementum, (45% of the defects) compared to 1.54 mm of new cementum in the control group (28% of the defects). Furthermore, the test group showed an inhibition of epithelial downgrowth and a gain of new connective tissue attachment.


CONCLUSIONS
17beta-estradiol promoted human cementoblast cell proliferation in vitro and periodontal regeneration in an experimental periodontitis model.
Nuñez
Javier
J
Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Valladolid, and Spanish Research Council, Valladolid, Spain. javilds@hotmail.com
Sanz-Blasco
Sara
S
Vignoletti
Fabio
F
Muñoz
Fernando
F
Caffesse
Raúl G
RG
Sanz
Mariano
M
Villalobos
Carlos
C
Nuñez
Lucía
L
D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000601:surgery; D000818:Animals; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D025021:Cementogenesis / Q000187:drug effects*; D002648:Child; D003094:Collagen; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000187:drug effects; D003739:Dental Cementum / Q000187:drug effects*; D003746:Dental Enamel Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004285:Dogs; D004337:Drug Carriers; D004848:Epithelium / Q000187:drug effects; D004958:Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004967:Estrogens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000187:drug effects; D016557:Guided Tissue Regeneration, Periodontal / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015675:Osteocalcin / Q000032:analysis; D010513:Periodontal Ligament / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011897:Random Allocation; D012038:Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects
D003746:Dental Enamel Proteins; D004337:Drug Carriers; D004967:Estrogens; C109069:enamel matrix proteins; D015675:Osteocalcin; D004958:Estradiol; D003094:Collagen