Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Proliferation, Viability, and Odontogenic Differentiation of Neural Crest Stem-Like Cells Derived from Human Dental Apical Papilla

Objective. This study is aimed at evaluating the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on proliferation, viability, and odontogenic differentiation of neural crest stem-like cells (NCSCs) derived from human dental apical papilla. Materials and Methods. Cells from apical papillae were obtained and then induced to form neural spheres. The expression of NCSC markers p75NTR and HNK-1 in neural sphere cells was detected by immunofluorescence staining. Human PRP was prepared by a 2-step centrifugation method and activated by CaCl2 and thrombin. The concentrations of PDGF-BB and TGF-beta 1 in whole blood and PRP were measured by an ELISA kit. PRP in five different concentrations (0%, 2.5%, 5%, 10%, and 25%) was applied to culture NCSCs. On the 1(st), 3(rd), 5(th), and 7(th) days, cell proliferation was evaluated by CCK8. Cell viability was tested by a live/dead staining kit. mRNA and protein expression of DSPP and BMP4 were analyzed by RT-qPCR and western blot, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed by a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test or t-test. Results. Dental apical papilla cells formed neural spheres, from which cells displayed positive expression of p75NTR and HNK-1. The concentrations of PDGF-BB and TGF-beta 1 in PRP were about 3.5-fold higher than those in whole blood. 5% and 10% PRP significantly promoted proliferation of NCSCs, while 25% and 50% PRP inhibited cell proliferation from Day 3 to Day 7. Low-concentration (2.5%, 5%, and 10%) PRP slightly improved viability of NCSCs on Day 7. On the other hand, high-concentration (25% and 50%) PRP significantly inhibited viability of NCSCs from Day 3 to Day 7. RT-qPCR and western blot results indicated that 10% PRP could promote odontogenic differentiation of NCSCs on Day 7. mRNA and protein expression of DSPP and BMP4 were significantly upregulated in the 10% PRP group compared to those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions. PRP is a simply acquirable blood derivative which contains high concentration of growth factors like PDGF-BB and TGF-beta 1. PRP in a proper concentration could promote proliferation, viability, and odontogenic differentiation of NCSCs derived from human dental apical papilla.