Electrical Stimulation Decreases Dental Pulp Stem Cell Osteo-/Odontogenic Differentiation.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are crucial for tissue engineering (TE) in dentistry.
• Electrical stimulation (EStim) influences cellular functions relevant to TE.
• The impact of EStim on DPSCs remains under-investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of direct current (DC) EStim on osteo-/odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs.
• To determine optimal EStim parameters for DPSC-based TE treatments.

Main Methods:

• DPSCs were isolated and characterized for stemness.
• Cells were exposed to varying voltages of DC EStim (10-150 mV/mm) for 7 days.
• Osteo-/odontogenic differentiation was assessed via calcium and collagen deposition, ALP activity, and gene expression (Osteocalcin, RunX2, BSP, DMP1).

Main Results:

• 10 and 50 mV/mm EStim had no effect on cell number or metabolic activity.
• 100 mV/mm EStim reduced cell number; 150 mV/mm caused cell death.
• Despite increased osteo-/odontogenic gene expression, 50 mV/mm EStim decreased collagen deposition and ALP activity, with reduced calcium deposition at day 14.

Conclusions:

• DC EStim, under the tested conditions, appears to impair DPSC osteo-/odontogenic differentiation.
• Further research is needed to understand DPSC responses to EStim for potential TE applications.