The Effect of Cell Source on Mesenchymal Stem Cell Behavior and Osteogenic Differentiation of Buccal Fat Pad and Dental Pulp Stem Cells, an in Vitro Study

Objective: The buccal fat pad is a source of adipose stem cells accessible from the oral cavity and dental pulp is a common dental source of stem cells. This study aimed to assess the biological behaviors and osteogenic differentiation of human buccal fat pad adipose-derived stem cells (hBFP-ADSCs) and human dental pulp derived stem cells (hDPSCs).Material and Methods: Buccal fat pads (595.4±80 mg) and dental pulp from 2 wisdom teeth were obtained from 3 matched donors and hBFP-ADSCs and hDPSC cells, respectively, and isolated. The isolated cells were sequentially expanded through passages 5, 10, and 15 for analysis. Cell growth, osteogenic differentiation, and cell senescence were investigated.Results: HBFP-ADSCs and hDPSCs exhibited different cell morphologies and behaviors. Cell expansion was associated with the decrease of cell growth and in vitro mineralization of hDPSCs. The cell yields of hBFP-ADSCs and hDPSCs at the primary passage were 3.2x10^5 ±9.9x10^3 cells/100 mg and 1.13x10^6 ±2.4x10^5 cells/tooth, respectively. The expanded cells exhibited a limited life span and maintained normal karyotypes at the late cell expansion stage.Conclusion: HBFP-ADSCs showed steady cell growth, high osteogenic differentiation potential, tissue availability, and minimal in vitro cell expansion. The availability and accessibility of hBFP-ADSCs would enable clinical applicability as a stem cell source for bone regeneration.