Periodontal regeneration employing gingival margin-derived stem/progenitor cells: an animal study

Aim This study investigated the periodontal regenerative potential of gingival margin‐derived multipotent postnatal stem/progenitor cells. Material and Methods Periodontal defects were induced at six sites in eight miniature pigs in the premolar/molar area (−4 weeks). Autologous cells isolated from the gingival margin were magnetically sorted using STRO‐1 antibodies and characterized flow cytometrically for the expression of CD14, CD31, CD34, CD45, CD117 and STRO‐1 surface markers. Colony formation and multilineage differentiation potential were tested. The cells were expanded and loaded on deproteinized bovine cancellous bone (DBCB) and Collagen scaffolds. Within every miniature pig, six periodontal defects were randomly treated with loaded‐DBCB (test group 1), unloaded‐DBCB (control group 1), loaded‐Collagen scaffolds (test group 2), unloaded‐Collagen scaffolds (control group 1), scaling and root planing (negative control 1) or left untreated (negative control 2). Differences in clinical attachment level (ΔCAL), probing depth (ΔPD), gingival recession (ΔGR) and radiographic defect volume (ΔRDV) between baseline and 12 weeks, as well as histological attachment level (HAL), junctional epithelium length (JE) and connective tissue adhesion (CTA) after 12 weeks were evaluated. Results Isolated cells showed stem/progenitor cell characteristics. Cell‐loaded scaffolds showed higher ΔCAL, ΔPD, ΔGR, HAL and lower JE and CTA compared with unloaded scaffolds and negative controls. The sort of scaffold had no significant influence on the measured outcomes. Conclusion Gingival margin‐derived stem/progenitor cells show significant periodontal regenerative potential.