Won-Jung Bae
Kyung Hee University
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Dental Materials | 2012
Won-Jung Bae; Kyung-San Min; Jung-Ju Kim; Hae-Won Kim; Eun-Cheol Kim
OBJECTIVES Collagen-based nanocomposite incorporating nanobioactive glass (Col/nBG) was developed as a scaffolding matrix for dentin-pulp regeneration. The effects of the novel matrix on the proliferation of human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) and their differentiation into odontoblastic lineage were investigated. METHODS Nanocomposite scaffold was prepared by incorporating nBG within the Col solution and then reconstituting them into a membrane form. Cell growth by MTS assay, adhesion by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and odontoblastic differentiation by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mineralization, and the mRNA expression of differentiation-related genes of DPCs on each scaffold were evaluated. RESULTS The introduction of nBG significantly improved the bone mineral-like apatite formation in the simulated body fluid, suggesting excellent acellular bone-bioactivity. The hDPCs cultured on the Col/nBG nanocomposite have shown active growth behavior during culture for 14 days. The mRNA levels of major organic extracellular matrix of dentin, collagen type I and III were highly expressed in the Col/nBG matrix. Moreover, the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and the mineralized nodule formation were increased in the Col/nBG nanocomposite compared to those in Col. Odontoblatic differentiation genes, including dentin sialophosphoprotein, dentin matrix protein I, ALP, osteopontin and osteocalcin were significantly stimulated in the Col containing nBG. Moreover, the key adhesion receptor integrin components α2 and β1, specifically binding to collagen molecule sequence, were upregulated in Col/nBG compared to Col, suggesting that odontogenic stimulation was closely related to the integrin-mediated process. SIGNIFICANCE In our study, the nanocomposite Col/nBG matrix induced the growth and odontogenic differentiation more effectively than Col alone, providing a promising scaffold condition for regeneration of dentin-pulp complex tissue.
Journal of Endodontics | 2011
Sang-Im Lee; Kyung-San Min; Won-Jung Bae; Young-Man Lee; So-Youn Lee; Eui-Suk Lee; Eun-Cheol Kim
INTRODUCTION Although bacterial infection and heat stress are common causes of injury in human dental pulp cells (HDPCs), little is known about the potential defense mechanisms mediating their effects. This study examined the role of SIRT1 in mediating heat stress and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced immune and defense gene expression in HDPCs. METHODS HDPCs were exposed to heat stress (42°C) for 30 minutes after stimulation with LPS (1 μg/mL) for 48 hours. The expression of defense genes was evaluated by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS LPS and heat stress synergistically increased the expression of SIRT1 and immune and defense genes such as interleukin (IL)-8, hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1), and human β-defensin 2 (hBD-2). Resveratrol enhanced LPS- and heat stress-induced expression of HO-1 and hBD-2 but reduced IL-8 messenger RNA levels. The stimulation of HO-1 and hBD-2 messenger RNA expression by LPS and heat stress was inhibited by sirtinol; SIRT1 small interfering RNA; and inhibitors of p38, ERK, JNK, and nuclear factor κB. CONCLUSIONS These results show for the first time that SIRT1 mediates the induction of immune and defense gene expression in HDPCs by LPS and heat stress. SIRT1 may play a pivotal role in host immune defense system in HDPCS.
Journal of Endodontics | 2010
Won-Jung Bae; Seok-Woo Chang; Sang-Im Lee; Kee-Yeon Kum; Kwang-Shik Bae; Eun-Cheol Kim
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the cellular effects of newly developed calcium phosphate-based sealers (CAPSEAL I and II) using cultured human periodontal ligament cells (HPDLCs) compared with epoxy resin sealer (AH26; Dentsply, DeTrey, Konstanz, Germany), zinc oxide eugenol [ZOE] sealer (extended working time [EWT]; Kerr Corporation, Orange, CA), and CPC sealer (Sankin apatite sealer; Sankin-kogyo, Tokyo, Japan). METHODS Cell viability by -(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide assay, cell attachment by scanning electron microscopy, osteoblastic differentiation and inflammatory mediators by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and alizarin red staining were evaluated. RESULTS The cytotoxicities of CAPSEAL I and II were less than those of AH 26 and EWT after 1 and 14 days. Cells on CAPSEAL I and II were spread better as compared with those on other sealers. Mineralization after 14 days and the expression of osteoblastic differentiation markers such as alkaline phosphate and osteonectin messenger RNA increased in CAPSEAL I- and II-exposed HPDLCs after 1 and 3 days, whereas the production of inflammatory mediators, including cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthetase, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), were lower than in other sealers. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that both CAPSEAL I and II show less cytotoxicity and inflammatory mediators compared with other sealers and have the potential to promote bone regeneration as root canal sealers.
Journal of Biomaterials Applications | 2014
Won-Jung Bae; Joungmok Kim; Jung-Ju Kim; Eun-Jung Lee; Hae-Won Kim; Eun-Cheol Kim
The aim of the present study was to fabricate mineralized polycaprolactone nanofibrous scaffold and investigate its ability to elicit odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp cells, compared to the pure polycaprolactone scaffold. Polycaprolactone nanofibrous scaffold was produced by electrospinning, and the surface was mineralized with apatite. Cellular behaviors on the mineralized polycaprolactone scaffold were assessed in terms of cell adhesion, growth, and odontoblastic differentiation. To evaluate the signal transduction of human dental pulp cells, mRNA expression was analyzed and Western blotting was performed. Mineralized polycaprolactone showed improved cell proliferation, mineralized nodule formation, and expression of odontoblastic marker genes including alkaline phosphatase, osteopontin, osteocalcin, dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), and dentin matrix protein-1, as compared with pure polycaprolactone. Although the cell adhesion on the mineralized polycaprolactone was similar to that of the polycaprolactone, the expression level of proteins including collagen type I and the key adhesion receptor (integrin components α1, α2, and β1) was upregulated in mineralized polycaprolactone compared to polycaprolactone. Especially, cells seeded onto mineralized polycaprolactone scaffolds showed significantly increased levels of phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase, a marker of integrin activation, and downstream pathways, such as phosphor (p)-Akt, p-extracellular signal regulated kinase, p-c Jun N-terminal kinase, nuclear factor-kappa B, c-fos, and c-jun, compared with pure polycaprolactone. The mineralized polycaprolactone scaffold is attractive for dentin tissue engineering by promoting growth and odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp cells through the integrin-mediated signaling pathway.
Journal of Periodontal Research | 2012
Young-Suk Kim; Seung-Il Shin; Kang Kl; Jun-Young Chung; Yeek Herr; Won-Jung Bae; Eun-Sook Kim
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Although hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) is up-regulated in the periodontal pockets of periodontitis patients, the expression and precise molecular mechanisms of HIF-1α remain unknown in human periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs). The aim of this study was to explore the effects, as well as the signaling pathway, of nicotine and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the expression of HIF-1α and on the production of its target genes, including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-derived prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2) ), MMP-2 and MMP-9 in PDLCs. MATERIAL AND METHODS The expression of COX-2 and HIF-1α proteins was evaluated using western blotting. The production of PGE(2) and MMPs was evaluated using enzyme immunoassays and zymography, respectively. RESULTS LPS and nicotine synergistically induced the production of PGE(2) , MMP-2 and MMP-9, and increased the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, COX-2 and HIF-1α proteins. Inhibition of HIF-1α activity by chetomin or knockdown of HIF1α gene expression by small interfering RNA markedly attenuated the production of LPS- and nicotine-stimulated PGE(2) and MMPs, as well as the expression of COX-2 and HIF-1α. Furthermore, pretreatment with inhibitors of COX-2, p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, Jun N-terminal kinase, protein kinase C, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and nuclear factor-kappaB decreased the expression of nicotine- and LPS-induced HIF-1α and COX-2, as well as the activity of PGE(2) and MMPs. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate novel mechanisms by which nicotine and LPS promote periodontal tissue destruction, and provide further evidence that HIF-1α is a potential target in periodontal disease associated with smoking and dental plaque.
Journal of Endodontics | 2009
Seok-Woo Chang; Sang-Im Lee; Won-Jung Bae; Kyung-San Min; Eun-Sang Shin; Gi-Su Oh; Hyun-Ock Pae; Eun-Cheol Kim
INTRODUCTION This study tested whether heat stress (42 degrees C for 30 minutes) induces reactive oxygen species (ROS), proinflammatory cytokines, Nrf2 activation, and Nrf2 target genes such as antioxidant enzymes in human dental pulp (HDP) cells. METHODS ROS was evaluated by using flow cytometry. Proteins and messenger RNA levels for cytokines and antioxidant genes were determined by using Western blotting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis, respectively. RESULTS Heat stress induced the production of ROS and the increased expression of the interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-8 receptor genes. Exposure of cells to heat stress resulted in the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and increased expression of Nrf2 target genes including heme oxygenase-1. Pretreatment with an exogenous antioxidant inhibited the heat-induced expression of IL-8 and Nrf2 target genes and Nrf2 translocation. CONCLUSION Collectively, these results show that heat-induced Nrf2 activation is the major regulatory pathway of cytoprotective gene expression against oxidative stress in HDP cells.
Journal of Biomaterials Applications | 2015
Jun Zhang; Yong-Duk Park; Won-Jung Bae; Ahmed El-Fiqi; Song-Hee Shin; Eun-Jung Lee; Hae-Won Kim; Eun-Cheol Kim
Background The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of bioactive calcium phosphate cements (CPC, α-tricalcium phosphate-based) incorporating zinc-bioglass (ZnBG) on the odontogenic differentiation and angiogenesis of human dental pulp cells (HDPCs). Methods BGs with varying concentrations of Zn (0, 2.5 and 5%) were produced via a sol-gel process. The proliferation of HDPCs on CPC/BGs was determined by MTS assay. Alizarin red staining, RT-PCR, and ALP activity were used to assess odontogenic differentiation, and western blot analysis was used to asses signaling pathways. In vitro angiogenesis was examined via mRNA expression of angiogenic genes and tubule formation. Results All cement formulations showed no cytotoxicity. The CPCs with ZnBG showed increased ALP activity, enhanced formation of mineralized nodules, and upregulated mRNA expression of DMP-1, DSPP, Runx2, and osterix in a time- and dose-dependent manner, relative to CPCs without Zn. ZnBG upregulated integrins α1, α2, β1, and β3 and activated integrin downstream signal pathways, such as p-FAK, p-Akt, p-paxillin, RhoA, MAPK, and NF-κB, as well as canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling. In addition, ZnBG upregulated VEGF mRNA in HDPCs and increased the tubular structure in endothelial cells. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that ZnBG incorporated within CPCs activates odontogenic differentiation and promotes angiogenesis in vitro through integrin, Wnt, MAPK, and NF-κB pathways. Thus, CPCs incorporating ZnBG are promising matrices in tissue engineering to stimulate endodontic regeneration.
Journal of Dental Research | 2015
Young-Ah Cho; Seong-Suk Jue; Won-Jung Bae; S.-H. Heo; Seung-Il Shin; Il-Keun Kwon; S.-C. Lee; E.-C. Kim
Inflammatory responses and osteoclast differentiation play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of osteolytic bone diseases such as periodontitis. Although overexpression or inhibition of peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase NIMA-interacting 1 (PIN1) offers a possible therapeutic strategy for chronic inflammatory diseases, the role of PIN1 in periodontal disease is unclear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate PIN1 expression in periodontitis patients as well as the effects of PIN1 inhibition by juglone or PIN1 small-interfering RNA (siRNA) and of PIN1 overexpression using a recombinant adenovirus encoding PIN1 (Ad-PIN1) on the inflammatory response and osteoclastic differentiation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and nicotine-stimulated human periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs). PIN1 was up-regulated in chronically inflamed PDLCs from periodontitis patients and in LPS- and nicotine-exposed PDLCs. Inhibition of PIN1 by juglone or knockdown of PIN1 gene expression by siRNA markedly attenuated LPS- and nicotine-stimulated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and nitric oxide (NO) production, as well as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, whereas PIN1 overexpression by Ad-PIN1 increased it. LPS- and nicotine-induced nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation was blocked by juglone and PIN1 siRNA but increased by Ad-PIN1. Conditioned medium prepared from LPS- and nicotine-treated PDLCs increased the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase–stained osteoclasts and osteoclast-specific gene expression. These responses were blocked by PIN1 inhibition and silencing but stimulated by Ad-PIN1. Furthermore, juglone and PIN1 siRNA inhibited LPS- and nicotine-induced osteoclastogenic cytokine expression in PDLCs. This study is the first to demonstrate that PIN1 inhibition exhibits anti-inflammatory effects and blocks osteoclastic differentiation in LPS- and nicotine-treated PDLCs. PIN1 inhibition may be a therapeutic strategy for inflammatory osteolysis in periodontal disease.
International Endodontic Journal | 2015
Duck-Su Kim; M.-R. Shin; Yeon-Ju Kim; Won-Jung Bae; D.-H. Roh; Yu-Shik Hwang; E.-C. Kim
AIM To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of glutamine and the underlying signal pathway mechanisms in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human dental pulp cells (HDPCs). METHODS Human dental pulp cells were exposed to 10 μg mL(-1) LPS and various concentrations of glutamine for 24 h. The production of PGE2 and nitric oxide was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Griess reagent kit, respectively. Cytokines were examined by ELISA, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time PCR. iNOS and COX protein expression as well as signal pathways were accessed by Western blot. The data were analysed by anova with Bonferronis test (α = 0.05). RESULTS Glutamine reduced LPS-induced iNOS and COX-2 protein expression as well as production of NO and PGE2 in a dose-dependent fashion. Additionally, glutamine suppressed the production and mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), TNF-α, and IL-8. Furthermore, glutamine attenuated phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and IκB-α, and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65, but enhanced mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) expression in LPS-treated HDPCs. CONCLUSION Glutamine exerted an anti-inflammatory effect via activation of MKP-1 and inhibition of the NF-κB and MAPK pathways in LPS-treated HDPCs.
Journal of Periodontal Research | 2010
Hwa-Jeong Lee; Gil-Saeng Jeong; Sung-Hee Pi; Sun-Kyung Lee; Won-Jung Bae; Sang-Cheol Kim; S.-K. Lee; Eun-Sook Kim
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Although substance P (SP) stimulates bone resorption activity and this is reported to be correlated with the degree of periodontal inflammation, it is unclear how human periodontal ligament cells regulate neuropeptide-induced osteoclastogenesis or the possible involvement of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) might be. This study examines how SP affects osteoprotegerin (OPG) and RANKL expression via HO-1. MATERIAL AND METHODS Using immortalized human periodontal ligament cells, the effects of SP on the expression of HO-1, RANKL and OPG mRNA and proteins were determined by RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. Various concentrations of SP (10(-7), 10(-8), 10(-9) and 10(-10) m) were added to the medium, and the cells were treated for 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 d. RESULTS Substance P upregulated RANKL and HO-1 and downregulated OPG mRNA and protein expression in periodontal ligament cells, in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. A HO-1 inducer inhibited both the upregulation of RANKL expression and downregulation of OPG expression by SP in periodontal ligament cells. By contrast, treatment with a HO-1 inhibitor or HO-1 small interferring RNA (siRNA) enhanced SP-stimulated RANKL expression. Inhibitors of ERK and p38 MAP kinases, phosphoinositide 3-kinase and nuclear factor-kappaB blocked the effects of SP on RANKL expression in periodontal ligament cells. CONCLUSION These results suggest that SP stimulates osteoclastic differentiation by increasing the expression of RANKL vs. OPG via the HO-1 pathway in periodontal ligament cells. The HO-1 pathway may be an effective therapeutic target for inhibiting chronic periodontitis involving alveolar bone resorption.