The effect of Emdogain and Simvastatin on periodontal ligament stem cells differentiation to osteoblasts: An in vitro study

Abstract

Context: Regeneration of periodontium is one of the main goals of periodontal treatment. This may be achieved by differentiation of stem cells to periodontal tissue cells. Aims: This study sought to assess the differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) cultured in osteogenic medium supplemented with Emdogain or Simvastatin. Settings and Design: This is an experimental study. Materials and Methods: After teeth extraction, the PDL attached to the middle third of the root surface was removed. Cells were expanded in culture medium and used for osteogenic differentiation and added to the test materials (different combinations of the basic medium, dexamethasone [DEX], Simvastatin and Emdogain). Osteogenic differentiation was evaluated using Alizarin Red staining (ARS), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium content tests. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 17 software. Deliberation was done with 6 × 3 factorial (six groups × three periods). Then, the data were submitted to ANOVA, and the differences between the groups were compared using Tukey post-hoc test. Results: Quantitative analysis of ARS demonstrated that the frequency of mineralized nodule formation was the highest in the enamel matrix protein derivatives (EMD) + DEX group. The highest ALP activity on day 7 was in DEX + Simvastatin group. Calcium content was the lowest in the control group and the highest in EMD + DEX group at all tested time points. Conclusions: This study showed that 100 μg/ml Emdogain had a significant effect on osteogenic differentiation of human PDLSCs to osteoblasts and 10−8 M Simvastatin had an effect comparable to that of DEX.