Comparison of periapical cyst- and dental pulp-derived mesenchymal stem cells: an in vitro study on proliferation, differentiation, migration, and odontogenic potential.

The aim of this study was to isolate human periapical cyst-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PC-MSCs) and compare their immunophenotypic profiles, clonogenic capacity, metabolic activity, migration capacity, and differentiation characteristics with those of dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells (DP-MSCs). PC-MSCs and DP-MSCs were isolated from six periapical cysts and six impacted third molars, respectively. The cells were characterized by flow cytometry and trilineage differentiation assays (osteogenic, adipogenic, chondrogenic). Proliferation was assessed using the MTT assay and colony-forming unit-fibroblast (CFU-F) efficiency. Migration potential was evaluated using an in vitro scratch assay. The secretion of odontogenic markers, dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein (DMP1), was quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Both cell types expressed characteristic mesenchymal stem cell markers. PC-MSCs exhibited significantly higher colony-forming efficiency (CFU-F, p < 0.05) and superior migration capacity compared to DP-MSCs (p < 0.05). Both MSC populations demonstrated differentiation capacity. DP-MSCs showed more extensive Alizarin Red S staining, while PC-MSCs showed relatively stronger Oil Red O staining. ELISA analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in DSPP and DMP1 secretion levels between the two groups (p > 0.05). Although DP-MSCs exhibited superior mineralizing ability, PC-MSCs displayed higher clonogenic and migratory potential, while no statistically significant differences were observed in DSPP and DMP1 secretion levels between the groups. These findings suggest that periapical cysts, often regarded as pathological waste, may represent a promising and readily accessible source of MSC-like cells with potential relevance for regenerative endodontic research.