The Cytotoxic Effects of Capping Materials on Pulp Stem Cells

Yalcin M.1, Aksoy A.2, Dayi B.1, Barutcigil C.3, Erman G.2, Karaoz E.2
1 Inonu University Faculty of Dentistry, Turkey; 2 Kocaeli University Center for Stem Cell and Gene Therapies Research
and Practice, Turkey; 3 Akdeniz University Faculty of Dentistry, Turkey
Objectives: Pulpal exposures as a result of mechanical, trauma, and carious exposures can occur during tooth
restorative procedures. Viability and health of the pulpal tissue after an exposure can be stimulated with biocompatible
pulp capping materials. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of calcium silicate
(CS) and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) pulp capping materials on human dental pulp stem cells (hDP-SCs).
Materials and Methods: In this study, MTA-based DiaRoot-MTA (DiaDent) and MM-MTA (Micro-Mega) and CSbased Biodentine (Septodont) and TheraCal (Bisco) pulp capping materials were used. Test specimens were prepared
according to the manufacturers instructions in standard discs, measuring 2 x 5 mm. HDP-SCs were isolated from normal
human third molars. The materials were placed on the cells and cultured for 24 h and 72 h to determine the proliferation
rate of hDP-SCs with the WST-1 test. To determine apoptotic effects of materials with AnnexinV-PI, the materials were
placed on the cells and cultured for 72 h. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and paired t-test. Results: All
materials significantly decreased the proliferation rate of hDP-SCs with WST-1 test at 24 h and 72 h of culture. The
highest proliferation decrease was seen for TheraCal. Minimal decrease was seen in the Diaroot-MTA group at 24 h.
When evaluated the apoptotic rate of hDP-SCs with Annexin V-PI at 72 h of culture, the highest apoptotic rate was seen in
the TheraCal group and the lowest was seen in the Biodentine group. Conclusions: Dental pulp capping materials may
be cytotoxic on dental pulp cells. Clinical Significance: Pulp capping materials should be used with caution due to
cytotoxic effects on dental pulpal tissue.