Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine - Department of Oral Biology

Background: Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are {u200E}considered an easily accessible source of mesenchymal {u200E}stem cells holding great promise for use in tissue repair and {u200E}regenerative medicine. In order for DPSCs to be used in {u200E}therapeutic clinical applications, issues like safely {u200E}enhancing culture expansion need to be addressed. {u200E}Objective: In this research, we aimed to assess the safety of {u200E}platelet rich plasma (PRP) as a promoter of proliferation in {u200E}comparison to routinely used animal derived supplements. {u200E}Methods: The effect of PRP on the proliferation of DPSCs {u200E}was assessed by MTT assay. Expression of stemness-{u200E}related genes OCT4 & INTGRIN1 was analyzed by real-{u200E}time quantitative PCR. DNA sequencing was performed {u200E}for OCT4 & INTGRIN1 genes to ensure that the isolated {u200E}DPSCs stem cell properties were not altered by the PRP {u200E}supplemented media. Results: At a concentration of 1% {u200E}with platelet count of 1.5 x 106/cm3, PRP was able to {u200E}significantly increase the proliferation rate while {u200E}maintaining the viability of DPSCs in comparison to {u200E}routinely used 15% FBS. Mesenchymal stem cell surface {u200E}markers expression (CD29, CD105) were not altered by {u200E}PRP supplementation. Moreover, PRP in cultures {u200E}significantly promoted expression of stemness markers {u200E}OCT4 & INTGRIN1 compared with 10% FBS

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