Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine - Department of Periodontology

Aim: Evaluate the effect of electronic cigarette (EC) aerosol, cannabis smoke and conventional cigarettes smoke on the gene expression profile of ATM, P21, OCT4 and Nanog and osteogenic differentiation ability of the gingival mesenchymal stem cells (G-MSCs) of never smokers. Methodology: G-MSCs isolation, characterization and viability were performed using light microscopy, flow cytometry, CFU, MTT assays, and ELISA. Genes{u2019} expression was detected using PCR. Mitochondrial depolarization was assessed using JC-1 dye. Results: G-MSCs were successfully isolated. EC aerosol had no effect on the proliferation and mitochondrial membrane depolarization. It reduced the p21 gene expression. Cannabis and cigarette smoke have a detrimental effect on cellular proliferation and differentiation. They upregulated the expression of ATM, OCT4 and Nanog genes and downregulated p21 gene expression. Conclusion: EC aerosol negatively affects the differentiation of G-MSCs. Cannabis and cigarette smoke negatively affect the cellular proliferation, differentiation, and regenerative abilities of the G-MSCs of never smokers

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