Simvastatin Induces Apoptosis but Attenuates Migration in SCAPs
Paak Rewthamrongsris1, Suphalak Phothichailert1, Uraiwan Chokechanachaisakul2
1Center of Excellence for Dental Stem Cell Biology and Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
International Dental Journal
|January 14, 2024
Summary
Simvastatin impacts stem cell behavior, reducing viability, proliferation, and migration in stem cells from apical papillae (SCAPs) in vitro. This effect may be linked to induced apoptosis at higher concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Dental stem cell research
- Biomaterial effects on cell behavior
Background:
- Simvastatin is recognized for its potential in modulating stem cell functions.
- Stem cells from apical papillae (SCAPs) are crucial for dental tissue regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro effects of simvastatin on SCAP viability, proliferation, and migration.
- To determine the dose-dependent impact of simvastatin on SCAP behavior.
Main Methods:
- SCAPs were isolated and characterized.
- Viability (Live/Dead assay), proliferation (MTT assay), and migration (scratch assay) were assessed.
- Cell cycle progression and apoptosis were analyzed via flow cytometry.
Main Results:
- Simvastatin (100-1000 nM) showed no cytotoxicity but reduced cell numbers and colony formation in a dose-dependent manner.
- Increased apoptosis and sub-G0 phase population were observed at day 7.
- In vitro cell migration was significantly attenuated by simvastatin in a dose-dependent manner.
Conclusions:
- Simvastatin significantly affects SCAP viability, proliferation, and migration.
- The observed reduction in cell viability at day 7 is likely due to simvastatin-induced apoptosis.
- These findings highlight simvastatin's role in modulating dental stem cell behavior.
