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

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).

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.

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).

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.