Fig. 4

Effects of QQ-controlled PBMNC transplantation on impaired osseous healing at 2 weeks post-extraction. a Representative occlusal view of intra-oral photos (red dotted line: open wounds, M2: second molar, M3: third molar). Both wound open area and perimeter were significantly decreased in QQ-controlled PBMNC vs. VC (**p < 0.01). b Serum ALP levels were the same between QQ-controlled PBMNC and VC. c Representative H-E-stained images of tooth extraction sockets of distal roots (black dotted line: tooth extraction sockets; areas surrounded by red dotted line: necrotic bone with empty lacunae; Ep: epithelium; Ct: connective tissue; M2: second molar; bar, 200 μm). BA/TA was the same between QQ-controlled PBMNC and VC. Living bone area was significantly increased in QQ-controlled PBMNC vs. VC (*p < 0.05). Osteocyte density was significantly increased in QQ-controlled PBMNC vs. VC (*p < 0.05). Necrotic bone area was decreased in QQ-controlled PBMNC vs. VC, however, no statistically significant differences were observed (p > 0.05). Empty lacunae were similar between QQ-controlled PBMNC and VC. d Representative TRAP-stained images (Ct: connective tissue; black arrowheads: osteoclasts on bone surface; bar, 200 μm). Number of osteoclasts was significantly increased in QQ-controlled PBMNC vs. VC (*p < 0.05). e Representative microCT images (white dotted line: mesial and distal roots of tooth extraction sockets; M2: second molar). Bone fill in tooth extraction sockets was the same, regardless of cell transplantation. Trabecular number (Tb.N) was similar between groups. Trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) was the same between groups. Trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) was almost identical, irrespective of QQ-controlled MNC therapy. Bone mineral density (BMD) did not change between groups. Student’s t test was performed for all analyzed parameters. n = 7/group; QQ: QQ-controlled PBMNC therapy