Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog-Engineered Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Inhibited Alveolar Bone Resorption and Osteoclast Formation in Experimental Periodontitis Rats

Background: This study aimed to assess the biological efficacy of phosphatase and tensin homolog-engineered bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PTEN eBM-MSCs) in periodontitis treatment. Methods: Ligation was used to construct the experimental periodontitis model, and Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (10 rats per group). Another 13 normal rats were used as controls. Micro-computer tomography (CT) was applied to measure the distance between the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) and the palatal alveolar bone crest (ABC). Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the inflammatory infiltration and pathological morphology, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining evaluated the number of osteoclasts. Besides, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin-17, and interleukin-10. Results: Cell viability and the expressions of anti-alkaline phosphatase (ALP), anti-osteocalcin, and anti-Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) in the PTEN eBM-MSC group was significantly increased ( p < 0.05). Periodontal ligament fibers in the periodontitis group were disordered, and osteoclast number, CEJ-ABC distance, TNF-α and interleukin-17 contents were increased compared to control rats, while interleukin-10 levels were declined ( p < 0.05). Compared with the periodontitis group, the other three groups showed improvement of periodontal tissue damage compare with the periodontitis group, also osteoclast number, CEJ-ABC distance, TNF-α and interleukin-17 levels were decreased, while interleukin-10 levels were increased ( p < 0.05). The greatest therapeutic effect was seen in the periodontitis+PTEN eBM-MSC group. Conclusions: PTEN eBM-MSCs inhibited inflammation, osteoclast formation and alveolar bone resorption in rats with experimental periodontitis.