SHED's Response to Various Pulpotomy Materials: Cytotoxicity and Gene Expression Analysis

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Regenerative Medicine
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Calcium silicate-based materials are widely used in vital pulp therapy.
• Understanding their interaction with stem cells is crucial for regenerative dentistry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the cytotoxicity of various calcium silicate-based pulpotomy materials on stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs).
• To assess the impact of these materials on SHEDs' genetic expression and differentiation potential.

Main Methods:

• SHEDs were cultured in eluates of different calcium silicate materials.
• Cytotoxicity was assessed using MTT assay and flow cytometry.
• Alizarin red staining and scratch assays evaluated matrix deposition and cell migration.
• Gene expression of ALP, OCN, and BMP-2 was analyzed via rtPCR.

Main Results:

• All tested materials demonstrated no cytotoxic effects on SHEDs.
• RetroMTA and EndoCem Zr showed the highest cell viability and migration, respectively.
• Significant upregulation of BMP-2, OCN, and ALP genes was observed, indicating odontogenic potential.

Conclusions:

• Calcium silicate-based pulpotomy materials are cytocompatible with SHEDs.
• These materials promote an odontogenic-like phenotype in SHEDs, supporting their use in regenerative endodontics.