Abstract: Objective To evaluate the effects of baicalein extracted from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi on the proliferation and expression of RUNX2 and BMP2 in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs). Methods Baicalein at a concentration of 1.25, 2.50, 5.00 and 10.00 μmol/L was separately added into hPDLCs primary cultured in vitro accordingly as experimental groups. The effect of the proliferation of hPDLCs was assessed through MTT assay, while the activity and expression of Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were assessed by kit. qRT-PCR was used to observe the mRNA expression of RUNX2 and BMP2 in hPDLCs respectively. Results Compared to control group, baicalein at different concentrations have no significant influence on the proliferation of hPDLCs. Baicalein was shown to enhance the ALP expression of hPDLCs. The mRNA level of RUNX2、BMP2 increased by baicalein in different concentrations, which reached maximum at 11 days, appear in a dose-dependent manner from 1.25 to 10 μmol/L using real-time PCR analysis. Conclusion Baicalein could promote osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs, which may be used as one of the choices of periodontal regeneration in the future.

Key words: baicalein, human periodontal ligament cells, ALP, RUNX2, BMP2