Cell transplantation for periodontal diseases. A novel periodontal tissue regenerative therapy using bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

: A major goal of periodontal therapy is to reconstruct healthy periodontium destroyed by periodontal diseases. Basic studies have revealed that transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) into periodontal defects promotes regeneration of periodontal tissue. We have developed a novel method for periodontal therapy using MSC. Human bone marrow cells are obtained from the iliac crest and expanded in vitro at Cell and Tissue Engineering Center in Hiroshima University Hospital. MSC are, then, isolated and mixed with Atelocollagen at final concentrations of 2 x 10(7) cells/mL. These MSC in Atelocollagen are transplanted into periodontal osseous defects at the periodontal surgery. The results in all seven patients who received the own MSC transplantation have shown good clinical course. Further basic studies and the continuous clinical trial are needed to prove the effectiveness of the clinical application.