Daidzein promotes the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cell

Context: Daidzein is a kind of isoflavone compound with many biological functions. However, the specific mechanism regarding the treatment of periodontitis with daidzein is still unclear. Objective: To investigate the effect of daidzein on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) and its mechanism. Materials and Methods: Human periodontal ligament stem cells from clinical samples were isolated in vitro and identified by flow cytometry. hPDLSCs were treated with different concentrations of daidzein. Cell proliferation ability and viability were measured by MTT assay and cell colony formation assay. Osteogenic differentiation and calcification of hPDLSCs were observed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and alizarin red staining. Western blot was used to detect the expression of c-myc, CyclinD1, osteogenic differentiation-related proteins, and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway proteins in hPDLSCs. Results: human periodontal ligament stem cells were positive for surface antigens CD146, STRO-1, and CD90 expression, but negative for CD45 expression, indicating the successful isolation of hPDLSCs. In addition, daidzein could significantly promote the proliferation, cell viability, ALP activity, and osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSC. At the same time, daidzein could notably increase the expression levels of c-myc, CyclinD1, osteogenic differentiation-related proteins, and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway proteins, while an inhibitor of Wnt/ beta-catenin pathway, XAV-939, could reverse the effect caused by daidzein. Discussion and Conclusion: Daidzein promotes the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs by activating Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway.