The impact of high glucose concentrations on osteogenic activity and epigenetic profile of periodontal ligament mesenchymal stem cells.

• Grant number: 24/15572-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: February 29, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Periodontology
• Principal Investigator: Emanuel da Silva Rovai
• Grantee: Marcela Iunes da Silveira
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia (ICT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de São José dos Campos. São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Several studies have shown a bidirectional relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and periodontal disease (PD). Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLCs) play an important role in the homeostasis and repair of periodontal tissues and are capable of differentiate into other cell types such as fibroblasts, cementoblasts and osteoblasts. However, it has been shown in pre-clinical studies that high levels of glucose can alter the metabolism of these cells, decreasing cell proliferation and differentiation, increasing the production of inflammatory biomarkers, and consequently impairing bone homeostasis. Thus, the present study aims to understand the impact of high glucose levels on the osteogenic activity and epigenetic profile of PDLCs through an in vitro experiment. A primary culture of human PDLCs will be carried out and they will be differentiated and cultured in different concentrations of glucose. In order to assess the impact of high glucose levels on the osteogenic potential of these cells, cell viability and proliferation tests (MTT) will be carried out, analysis of calcium deposit formation (Alizarin). An analysis of epigenetic profile in the PDLCs will also be carried out using the polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay to analyze the methylation and hydroxymethylation of the promoter region of genes related to osteogenic activity. (AU)