Characterization of Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Anterior Teeth with Varying Levels of Root Resorption

Deciduous teeth undergo the physiologic process of resorption, during which the remnant pulp undergoes activation. However, the quality of stem cells obtained at various stages of root resorption has not been documented. To isolate and characterize stem cells from deciduous teeth with varying levels of root resorption. Healthy primary anterior teeth were extracted according to the treatment needs of the patient. The teeth were categorized into SHED(1/3)- teeth with 0 to 1/3rd root resorption, SHED(2/3)- teeth with 1/3rd to 2/3rd root resorption, and SHED(COMP)- teeth with more than 2/3rd root resorption. SHED were characterized based on their morphology, viability, proliferation rate, population doubling time, expression of cell surface markers, and in vitro differentiation potential into osteocytes and adipocytes. SHED from all three groups demonstrated largely similar morphological and cellular characteristics. However, SHED(2/3) showed relatively better characteristics in terms of growth kinetics and phenotypic marker expression. Also, the differentiation ability for osteogenic and adipogenic cell lineages was slightly higher in SHED(1/3) and SHED(2/3) compared with SHED(COMP). Based on the cellular, phenotypic and biological characteristics, it is suggested that SHED (2/3) could be a useful source for tissue regeneration, and warrants further investigations.