Angiogenesis and vascularization are essential for the growth and survival of most tissues. Engineered bone tissue requires an active blood vessel network for survival and integration with mature host tissue. Angiogenesis also has an effect on cell growth and differentiation in vitro. However, the effect of angiogenic factors on osteoprogenitor cell differentiation remains unclear. We studied the effects of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) on osteogenic differentiation of dental follicle-derived stem cells (DFSCs) in vitro by co-culturing DFSCs and HUVECs. Cell viability, based on metabolic activity and DNA content, was highest for co-cultures with a DFSC/HUVEC ratio of 50:50 in a 1:1 mixture of mesenchymal stem cell growth medium and endothelial cell growth medium. Osteoblastic and angiogenic phenotypes were enhanced in co-cultures with a DFSC/HUVEC ratio of 50:50 compared with DFSC monocultures. Increased expression of angiogenic phenotypes and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were observed over time in both 50:50 DFSC/HUVEC co-cultures and DFSC monocultures during culture period. Our results showed that increased angiogenic activity in DFSC/HUVEC co-cultures may stimulate osteoblast maturation of DFSCs. Therefore, the secretion of angiogenic factors from HUVECs may play a role in the osteogenic differentiation of DFSCs.

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the functional effects of temporalis myofascial flap after condylectomy, with or without disc removal, in elderly patients with anterior disc displacement (ADD) without reduction and an erosive condylar surface of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).MethodsA total of 15 joints from 11 elderly patients (71–78 years old) were included. The patients had pain, mandibular dysfunction symptoms, and unilateral or bilateral ADD as well as an erosive condylar surface of the TMJ. All patients underwent temporalis myofascial flap reconstruction after condylectomy, with or without disc removal. If the maximal mouth opening (MMO) remained <35 mm after condylectomy, coronoidotomy was also performed. Self-assessed pain and mandibular function, including MMO and protrusive and lateral movements, were evaluated.ResultsNo patient experienced serious complications. Most measurements improved significantly after surgery compared to preoperatively. Most patients achieved nearly-normal mouth opening at 4 weeks after surgery. Although most patients felt discomfort during active postoperative physiotherapy, no patient reported serious pain during the follow-up period.ConclusionAlthough nonsurgical therapy is often the first treatment choice for ADD without reduction of the TMJ, surgical intervention involving condylectomy and temporalis myofascial flap reconstruction may be a reasonable first option for elderly patients with an erosive condylar surface of the TMJ.