Semaphorin 3A-modified adipose-derived stem cell sheet may improve osseointegration in a type 2 diabetes mellitus rat model

Although titanium (Ti) implants are considered to be an optimal choice for the replacement of missing teeth, it remains difficult to obtain sufficient osseointegration in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The present study aimed to investigate whether adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) may be used to improve Ti implant osseointegration in T2DM conditions with the addition of semaphorin 3A (Sema3A), a recently identified osteoprotective protein. Cell morphology was observed using a scanning electron microscope. Cell proliferation was determined using Cell Counting Kit-8. Osteogenic differentiation was confirmed by the staining of alkaline phosphatase, collagen secretion and calcium deposition. An in vivo evaluation was performed in the T2DM rat model, which was induced by a high-fat diet and a low-dose streptozotocin intraperitoneal injection. A Sema3A-modified ASC sheet was wrapped around the Ti implant, which was subsequently inserted into the tibia. The rats were then exposed to Sema3A stimulation. The morphology and proliferation ability of ASCs remained unchanged; however, their osteogenic differentiation ability was increased. Micro-computed tomography scanning and histological observations confirmed that formation of new bone was improved with the use of the Sema3A-modified ASCs sheet. The present study indicated that the Sema3A-modified ASCs sheet may be used to improve osseointegration under T2DM conditions.