Enamel matrix derivative exhibits anti-inflammatory properties in monocytes.

Background: Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) is used clinically to promote periodontal tissue regeneration with variable efficacy. EMD application results in significantly higher frequencies of sites without clinical signs of inflammation; additionally, patients receiving EMD therapy report significantly less post-treatment discomfort. However, there are few reports that focus on defining the biologic mechanisms for the observed anti-inflammatory effects of EMD.

Prostaglandin E2 inhibits mineralization and enhances matrix metalloproteinase-13 in mature cementoblasts mainly via the EP4 pathway.

Objectives: Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) is an important factor in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease because of bone resorbing activity and association with attachment loss. PGE(2) and PGE receptor subtypes (EPs) play an important role in modulating bone metabolism via osteoblasts. However, little is known about the effects of PGE(2) on cementoblasts.

Immortalization and characterization of human dental pulp cells with odontoblastic differentiation.

Objective: To immortalize human dental pulp (HDP) cell showing stable growth and high mineralization activities in vitro.

Design: HDP cells were obtained from a healthy third molar and immortalized by transfection with human telomerase transcriptase (hTERT) gene. To examine the characters of hTERT transfected HDP (HDP-hTERT) cells, we examined expression of mRNA for dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSSP), type I collagen (COLI), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bone sialoprotein (BSP) by RT-PCR.