"Odontogenic Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells using Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and Nanohydroxy Apatite" (In Vitro Study)

Abstract

There has been an urge to shift from conventional therapies to the more promising regenerative strategy, since conventional treatment relies on synthetic materials to fill defects and replace missing tissues, lacking the ability to restore the tissues’ physiological architecture and function. Aim of the study: The present study focused on the assessment of the role of two commonly used biomaterials namely; mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and nano hydroxy-apatite (nHA) as promoters of odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). Materials and Methods: DPSCs were isolated, cultured in odontogenic media and divided into three groups; control group, MTA group and nHA group. Odontogenic differentiation was assessed by tracing genes characteristic of different stages of odontoblasts via qRT-PCR. Calcific nodules formation was evaluated by Alizarin red staining. Results: In both MTA and nHA groups, odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs was promoted in comparison to control group. Conclusion: MTA and nHA were capable of enhancing odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs. nHA was found to have a higher promoting effect. However, in the absence of odontogenic medium, MTA and nHA could not enhance odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs.