Impaired angiogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells during exposure to the resinous monomer triethylene glycol dimethacrylate.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) can differentiate into tissue specific lineages to support dental pulp regeneration after injuries. Triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) is a widely used co-monomer in restorative dentistry with adverse effects on cellular metabolism. Aim of this study was to analyze the impact of TEGDMA on the angiogenic differentiation potential of DPSCs. METHODS: DPSCs were characterized by flow cytometry. Short-term (max. 72h) cytotoxicity of TEGDMA was assessed by MTT assay. To evaluate TEGDMA effects on angiogenic differentiation, DPSCs were cultivated in angiogenic differentiation medium (ADM) in the presence or absence of short-term non-toxic TEGDMA concentrations (0.1mM and 0.25mM). Subsequently, angiogenic differentiation was analyzed by qRT-PCR analysis of mRNA markers and in vitro spheroid sprouting assays. RESULTS: DPSCs treated with 0.25mM TEGDMA revealed downregulation of angiogenesis-related marker genes PECAM1 (max. 3.8-fold), VEGF-A (max. 2.4-fold) and FLT1 (max. 2.9-fold) compared to respective untreated control. In addition, a reduction of the sprouting potential of DPSCs cultured in the presence of 0.25mM TEGDMA was detectable. Larger spheroidal structures were detectable in the untreated control in comparison to cells treated with 0.25mM TEGDMA. In contrast, TEGDMA at 0.1mM was not affecting angiogenic potential in the investigated time period (up to 28 days). SIGNIFICANCE: The results of the present study show that TEGDMA concentration dependently impair the angiogenic differentiation potential of DPSCs and may affect wound healing and the formation of granulation tissue.