Examining the Effects of Asiaticoside on Dental Pulp Stem Cell Viability and Proliferation: A Promising Approach to Root Canal Treatment.

AIM: This study aims to evaluate the impact of asiaticoside (AC) on the viability and proliferation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), considering the known negative effects of routinely used intracanal medicaments. This evaluation will be compared with the outcomes from using traditional intracanal medicaments, specifically triple antibiotic paste (TAP) and calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2]. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The DPSCs were obtained from the third molars of an adult donor. The application of flow cytometry was employed to do a phenotypic analysis on DPSCs using CD90, CD73, CD105, CD34, CD14, and CD45 antibodies. The methylthiazol tetrazolium (MTT) assay was employed to assess cellular viability. The cells were treated with different concentrations of TAP and Ca(OH)2 (5, 2.5, 1, 0.5, and 0.25 mg/mL), along with AC (100, 50, 25, 12.5, and 6.25 µM). A cell proliferation rate was performed at 3, 5, and 7 days. RESULTS: The characterization of DPSCs was conducted by flow cytometry analysis, which verified the presence of mesenchymal cell surface antigen molecules (CD105, CD73, and CD90) and demonstrated the absence of hematopoietic markers (CD34, CD45, and CD14). Cells treated with concentrations over 0.5 mg/mL of TAP and Ca(OH)2 showed a notable reduction in cell viability in comparison to the untreated cells (p < 0.05). Additionally, the cells treated with different concentrations of AC 12.5, 6.25, 25, and 50 µM did not differ significantly from the untreated cells (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, cells treated with concentrations of 100 µM showed a significant reduction in viability compared to the untreated cells (p < 0.05). After a period of 7 days, it was noted that cells exposed to three different concentrations of AC (50, 25, and 12.5 µM) had a notable rise in cell density in comparison to TAP and Ca(OH)2 (p < 0.05). Furthermore, cells that were exposed to a concentration of 12.5 µM exhibited the highest cell density. CONCLUSION: The cellular viability of the AC-treated cells was superior to that of the TAP and Ca(OH)2-treated cells. Moreover, the AC with a concentration of 12.5 µM had the highest degree of proliferation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study underscores the importance of evaluating alternative root canal medicaments and their effects on DPSCs' growth and vitality. The findings on AC, particularly its influence on the survival and proliferation of DPSCs, offer valuable insights for its probable use as an intracanal medication. This research contributes to the ongoing efforts to identify safer and more effective intracanal treatments, which are crucial for enhancing patient outcomes in endodontic procedures. How to cite this article: Alazemi MJ, Badawi MF, Elbeltagy MG, et al. Examining the Effects of Asiaticoside on Dental Pulp Stem Cell Viability and Proliferation: A Promising Approach to Root Canal Treatment. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(2):118-127.

The Effect of Rosmarinus Officinalis as a Potential Root Canal Medication on the Viability of Dental Pulp Stem Cells.

AIM: The objective of the current study was to assess and compare the impact of triple antibiotic paste (TAP) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) with rosmarinic acid (RA) on the viability of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dental pulp stem cells were isolated and characterized using flow cytometry. The cells were treated with (0.25, 0.5, 1, 2.5, and 5 mg/mL) concentrations for TAP and Ca(OH)2 and (6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 µM) concentrations for RA. Cell viability was evaluated after 3 days, with cell proliferation further analyzed over 3, 5, and 7 days utilizing the MTT assay. The optical density (OD) was quantified at 570 nm, subsequently enabling the determination of corrected OD and cell viability. ANOVA followed by the post hoc Tuckey test evaluated the statistical significance at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Following the cell viability test, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/mL of TAP and Ca(OH)2 showed no significant difference for DPSCs compared to the control group. While dosages of 1 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, and 5 mg/mL significantly reduced cell viability (p < 0.05). However, 6.25 µM and 12.5 µM concentrations of RA showed a significant increase in cell viability compared to untreated cells, 25 µM and 50 µM concentrations showed no significant difference compared to untreated cells while 100 µM concentration showed a decrease in cell viability (p < 0.05). Moreover, RA at a concentration of 12.5 µM exhibited a significant enhancement in cell proliferation rates after 5 and 7 days. CONCLUSION: Rosmarinic acid showed a significant increase in cell viability when used at 6.25 and 12.5 µM concentrations compared to TAP and CA(OH)2. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The assessment of cytotoxicity associated with bioactive compounds like RA, which processes antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, holds importance. This evaluation could pave the way for novel intracanal medicaments that enhance the regenerative potential of DPSCs.