The effect of different pulp-capping materials on proliferation, migration and cytokine secretion of human dental pulp stem cells

Biocompatibility of dental biomaterials plays a critical role in regeneration of dental stem cells. The aim of present study was to evaluate the effects of novel biomaterials of TheraCal-LC (TheraCal; Bisco), Angelus mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA; Angelus), calcium-enriched mixture (CEM; BioniqueDent), and Biodentine (Septodont) on viability of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). Moreover, the recruitment of dental pulp stem cells is a prerequisite for regeneration of damaged dentin. Therefore, in this study the effects of mentioned biomaterials on migration of hDPSCs and the secretion of some chemoattractive molecules by these cells were examined. The cell viability of hDPSCs was assessed using MTT assay. Transwell migration assay was used to determine cell migration ability. The cytokine secretion was evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The biomaterials of MTA, CEM, and Biodentine at different dilutions had no cytotoxic effects on hDPSCs at different time points; however, non-diluted extract of TheraCal showed toxic effects after 24, 48, and 72 hr. Meanwhile, the highest cell migration was observed in the presence of CEM and Biodentine (P<0.05). The secretion of MCP-1 and TGF-β1 were higher in hDPSCs treated with Biodentine compared to some other groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, TheraCal decreased protein secretion of TNF-α (P<0.05), and IL-8 (P<0.01) in hDPSCs. The biological compatibility associated with CEM and Biodentine indicates promising applications in the field of vital pulp therapy.