Impact of strontium, magnesium, and zinc ions on the in vitro osteogenesis of maxillary sinus membrane stem cells

Purpose Human Maxillary Sinus Membrane Stem Cells (hMSMSCs) contribute significantly to bone formation following maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA). The biological behavior of mesenchymal stem cells is notably influenced by varying concentrations of magnesium (Mg 2+ ), strontium (Sr 2+ ), and zinc (Zn 2+ ) ions; however, their specific effects on hMSMSCs have not been comprehensively studied. Methods We isolated hMSMSCs and identified their mesenchymal stem cell characteristics by flow cytometry and multilineage differentiation experiments. Subsequently, the hMSMSCs were cultured in media containing different concentrations of these metal ions. The proliferation and viability of hMSMSCs were assessed using CCK-8 and Calcein AM/PI staining. After osteogenic induction, cells were evaluated for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, ALP staining, and Alizarin Red staining. Additionally, qRT-PCR was used to detect differences in osteogenic gene expression, and immunofluorescence staining was used to observe variations in OCN protein levels. Results The results indicated that 1mM Mg 2+ , 0.01mM Sr 2+ , and 0.001mM Zn 2+ significantly improved the proliferation and activity of hMSMSCs. These concentrations also notably enhanced ALP secretion, increased bone-related gene expression, and augmented osteocalcin expression and formation of extracellular calcium nodules, thereby improving osteogenic differentiation. However, higher concentrations of Mg 2+ , Sr 2+ , and Zn 2+ decreased cell viability and osteogenic differentiation. Conclusions Mg 2+ , Sr 2+ , and Zn 2+ promote osteogenic differentiation and proliferation of hMSMSCs in a concentration-dependent manner, indicating that the type and concentration of ions in the extracellular environment can significantly alter hMSMSCs behavior, which is a crucial consideration for material design in maxillary sinus elevation applications. Clinical Relevance: Our findings demonstrate that Mg 2+ , Sr 2+ , and Zn 2+ enhance osteogenic differentiation and proliferation of hMSMSCs, offering a strategic approach to improve bone regeneration in maxillary sinus elevation procedures.