Platelet-rich plasma enhances the differentiation of dental pulp progenitor cells into odontoblasts

AimTo investigate the effects of PRP on odontoblastic differentiation using dental pulp progenitor cells derived from the dental papilla of rat incisors. MethodologyMonolayer cultures of odontoblastic lineage KN-3 cells were incubated with PRP for various time periods. The expression of dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and dentine matrix protein-1 (DMP-1) was determined using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses. To further clarify the role of PRP in odontogenesis, KN-3 cells were stimulated with PRP in the presence of ascorbic acid and -glycerophosphate. The cells were stained for alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and ALP activity was quantified in cell lysates. The formation of mineralized nodules was assessed by alizarin red staining. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way analysis of variance. ResultsPRP increased the mRNA and protein expressions of odontoblastic markers, such as DSPP and DMP-1. Furthermore, PRP stimulated the ALP activity and mineralized nodule formation induced by ascorbic acid and -glycerophosphate in a time-dependent manner. ConclusionsPRP enhances odontoblastic differentiation of KN-3 cells. These results indicate that PRP could be a potential candidate for use in the regeneration of dentine-pulp complex.