Biological Behavior of Dental Pulp Stem Cells to MTA Mixture with either Diclofenac Sodium or i-PRF as Direct Pulp Capping Material

Abstract

Aim This study aims to investigate and compare the effect of MTA mixed with diclofenac sodium (DCS) or i-PRF as a direct pulp capping agent on the proliferation and mineralization potentials of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). Materials and Methods hDPSCs were isolated from the pulp tissues of human-extracted wisdom teeth and then cultured. The characterization of hDPSCs was ensured by flow cytometric analysis. MTA powder was mixed with distilled water, i-PRF, or two different concentrations of commercially available DCS (Voltaren® 75mg/3mL and Epifenac® 1mg/mL). Extracts of the MTA mixtures were then prepared and cultured with hDPSCs. Cell viability and proliferation were examined by MTT assay, and the mineralization potential was evaluated using the alkaline phosphatase activity and alizarin red staining assays. Results The MTA/Distilled group exhibited significantly the highest mean percentage of cell viability and proliferation, followed by the MTA/i-PRF group. Both DCS concentrations in the MTA mixtures expressed an increased mean percentage of cell viability and proliferation when compared to the positive control group; however, it was still less than that of the MTA/Distilled and the MTA/i-PRF groups. Regarding mineralization and calcium nodules formation, MTA/Voltaren revealed significantly superior results, followed by MTA/i-PRF. Moreover, MTA/Epifenac, when compared to MTA/Voltaren and MTA/i-PRF, showed significantly reduced cellular mineralization; however, it was relatively comparable to that of MTA/Distilled. Conclusion MTA mixed with either Voltaren as DCS or i-PRF augmented the MTA cellular regenerative capability in terms of viability and mineralization potential, and these mixtures may be potentially used as direct pulp capping material for vital pulp therapy.