Harmine promotes periodontal ligament cell‐induced tissue regeneration

Objective to investigate whether harmine has a promotive effect on human periodontal ligament cells ( hPDLC s)‐induced tissue regeneration. Materials and Methods Various concentrations of harmine on hPDLC s proliferation were tested. Osteogenic and cementogenic characteristics were examined in hPDLC /rh BMP ‐2 and hPDLC /harmine by alizarin red S staining, real‐time PCR , and Western blotting assay. The activity of harmine was investigated in an ectopic transplantation nude mouse model. Results We determined that 10 μM of harmine was the threshold concentration. hPDLC /harmine showed similar mineralized nodule formation in alizarin S staining compared to hPDLC /rh BMP ‐2. In real‐time PCR , the highest gene expression level was observed for Runx2 in hPDLC /harmine at all time points. The level of CEMP ‐1 in hPDLC /harmine was higher at 7 days than hPDLC s alone. Thicker band of Runx2 in hPDLC /harmine was observed than in hPDLC /rh BMP ‐2 at 7 days by Western blotting. The band for CEMP ‐1 in hPDLC /harmine was thicker than hPDLC s alone at both 7 and 14 days. In ectopic transplantation, hPDLC s with harmine showed a comparable amount of mineralized tissue formation compared to rh BMP ‐2. hPDLC s with harmine or rh BMP ‐2 formed both bone and cementum‐like tissue with Sharpey's fiber‐like collagen insertion. Conclusion Harmine can be a potential candidate for promoting hPDLC s‐induced tissue regeneration.