Cytotoxicity and induced apoptosis of a new bioceramic cement containing simvastatin on stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth

Abstract

Background :This study aims to compare cytotoxicity and induced apoptosis of a new bioceramic

cement containing different concentrations of simvastatin on stem cells from human exfoliated
deciduous teeth (SHED).
Materials and Methods: This research was an in vitro study. To evaluate the cytotoxicity and
induced apoptosis of the bioceramic cement containing different concentrations of simvastatin,
the SHED were exposed to the cement during 1, 3, and 7 days. Pure bioceramic cement and pure
simvastatin with concentrations of 1, 0.1, and 0.01 μM were also tested to evaluate the possible
synergic effect. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) as the gold standard of pulp dressing materials
was compared. MTT assay and Annexin V assay were used to evaluate cytotoxicity and induced
apoptosis, respectively. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests at the
significance level of 0.05.
Results: During 7 days, MTA, bioceramic cement, simvastatin 0.1 and 0.01 μM, and bioceramic cement
containing 0.1 and 0.01 μM simvastatin increased (P < 0.05) and simvastatin with concentration of
1 μM decreased the cell viability (P < 0.05). Except for MTA and bioceramic cement containing 0.1
and 0.01 μM simvastatin, all other compounds induced apoptosis within 7 days (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: After 7 days, the viability of the SHED in the presence of a new bioceramic cement
containing 0.1 and 0.01 μM simvastatin was not compromised. Moreover, this cement showed
superior results than MTA and provided an environment for cell proliferation. This finding appears
to be due to the pharmacological effects of low concentrations of simvastatin.
Key Words: Apoptosis, mineral trioxide aggregate cement, simvastatin, toxicity