Responses of stem cells isolated from human primary teeth to calcium-containing pulp capping materials

Pulp capping materials are used in vital pulp therapy to protect the dental pulp, prevent bacterial infiltration, and promote the formation of a dentin bridge. These materials frequently contain calcium, which is vital for the mineralization process and may influence cell responses. This study aimed to investigate the effects of pulp capping materials on the proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of stem cells from exfoliated primary teeth (SHEDs) in an in vitro environment. The study involved preparing five pulp capping materials, incubating them with a culture medium, And assessing calcium ion release over 7 days. SHEDs were cultured in the medium, And cell viability, as indicated by cellular metabolic activity, was evaluated using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and live/dead assays. Mineralization was examined through Alizarin Red and Von Kossa staining, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay was used to analyze the mRNA expression of osteogenic gene markers. Results, presented as mean ± SD, were subjected to statistical analysis using Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Friedman tests. All pulp capping materials released calcium ions in a time-dependent manner, with Biodentine™ exhibiting the highest levels, which were significantly higher than Dycal® at 24 h, 3, And 7 days (p < 0.05). Cellular metabolic activity decreased with increased concentrations of Dycal® and Theracal™ LC, suggesting potential toxicity to SHEDs. Despite higher toxicity levels observed with Dycal® and Theracal™ LC in the live/dead assay, live cells were still present, indicating a response to the materials. Calcimol LC, ProRoot® MTA, and Biodentine™ showed higher cell percentages than the controls. Pulp capping materials did not significantly affect cell migration, but Biodentine™ significantly increased mineralized nodule formation compared to Dycal® (p < 0.05). Calcimol LC, ProRoot® MTA, and Biodentine™ were less toxic to SHEDs compared to Dycal® and Theracal™ LC. Biodentine™ demonstrated a slight increase in cell proliferation and significantly increased in vitro mineralization compared to Dycal® and Theracal™ LC.