Effects of platelet-rich fibrin on osteogenic differentiation of Schneiderian membrane derived mesenchymal stem cells and bone formation in maxillary sinus

BACKGROUND: The existence of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in Schneiderian membrane has not been determined. The aim of this study is to investigate whether there are MSCs in Schneiderian membrane, and the effect of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on osteogenic differentiation of these cells and on new bone formation in maxillary sinus after maxillary sinus floor elevation. METHODS: Schneiderian membrane derived mesenchymal stem cells (SM-MSCs) were isolated from rabbit maxillary sinus. Cells were identified by flow cytometry and multipotential differentiation. Real-time cell analysis assay, fluorescence staining, transwell assay, and wound healing assay were used to determine the effects of PRF stimulation on cell proliferation and migration. The osteogenic differentiation ability of cells stimulated by PRF or osteoinductive medium was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase staining, alizarin red staining, PCR and Western blot. Equivalent volume Bio-oss and the mixture of Bio-oss and PRF were used as bone graft materials for maxillary sinus floor elevation. Micro-CT, bone double-staining, HE staining, Masson staining, and toluidine blue staining were used to evaluate the osteogenic effect in 8 and 12 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: The cell surface markers were positive for expression of CD90, CD105, and negative for expression of CD34, CD45. SM-MSCs had the ability of osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. PRF could stimulate proliferation, migration and osteogenic differentiation of SM-MSCs, which was achieved by up-regulating ERK 1/2 signaling pathway. PRF could accelerate the formation of new bone in maxillary sinus and increase the amount of new bone formation. CONCLUSIONS: MSCs existed in Schneiderian membrane, and PRF stimulation could promote cell proliferation, migration and osteogenic differentiation. The application of PRF in maxillary sinus floor elevation could accelerate bone healing and increase the quantity and quality of new bone. PRF, as autologous graft materials, might offer a promising strategy for the clinical bone formation during MSFE procedure. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: [Image: see text] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12964-022-00844-0.