Efficacy of Autologous Mesenchymal Adipose Stem Cells for Dental Hard Tissue Formation in Dpc: An in Vivo Animal Study Publisher

Summary: Can adipose stem cells improve dental pulp repair? A study found ASCs with a scaffold showed some hard tissue formation, but results were less effective than traditional treatments. #DentalResearch #StemCells

Hashemikamangar S S ; Doroudgar P ; Pedram M S ; Dehghan M M ; Bahrami N ; Farzad Mohajeri S ; Behniafar B
Source: Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine Published:2026

Abstract

Background: Direct pulp capping (DPC) is a procedure in which the exposed pulp of the tooth is protected with a suitable material. Currently, fat tissue (adipose stem cells) is known as a source of mesenchymal/stromal stem cells (MSCs). Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of cell therapy in DPC using adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), in addition to a collagen/hydroxyapatite hybrid scaffold, on dental hard tissue formation. Methods: Mesenchymal stem cells were extracted from dogs. Then, DPC was performed in class V cavities prepared on the premolars of the same dogs in three groups using mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), ASCs plus hydroxyapatite/collagen hybrid scaffold, and hybrid scaffold alone. After 12 weeks, the dogs were sacrificed and the teeth were fixed in formalin. Fixed decalcified specimens were stained and evaluated histopathologically to determine the presence of calcified bridge formation, characterize its structure, quantify its thickness, and assess pulp vitality. Results: According to the results of the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test, significant differences were noted among the three groups in terms of vitality, dentinal bridge thickness, continuity of the bridge, type of bridge, and periapical lesion. The ASCs plus scaffold group showed dentinal bridge thickness similar to that observed with scaffold alone. The performance of MTA in this regard was superior to the other two groups. Conclusion: In the present study, despite the formation of a calcified barrier following the pulp cap with ASCs, which indicates the potential of forming hard tissue by this cell line, this amount is not clinically sufficient. © 2026 The Author(s);.