Effect of N-Acetyl-Cysteine and Emdogain on Osteogenic Activity of Stem-Cells

Introduction: Successful bone regeneration often requires signaling molecules. Emdogain® is a molecule tought to be involved in healing process. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) has shown to be an osteogenesis enhancing molecule. Regarding the important role of signaling molecules, the aim of this study is to compare probable effects of Emdogain® and NAC on proliferation, mineralization and enzymatic activity of stem cells. Methods: Human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) were cultured in osteogenic medium containing allogenic scaffold. Emdogain® (10, 50, 100 μg/ml) and NAC (5mM) were added to wells 24 hours after culturing. Cell proliferation was determined using MTT test after culturing for 24, 48 and 72 hours. ALP activity assessment and Alizarin red staining was performed after 30 days of culturing. ANOVA statistical analysis was employed. Results : Based on MTT assay both materials decreased cell proliferation in a time dependant manner; however groups treated with Emdogain (10 μg/ml) demonstrated the highest level of cell proliferation in all times. The amount of ALP activity and degree of mineralization was significantly higher in NAC treated groups. Conclusion : NAC can be used as an effective signaling molecule to induce mineralization and enzymatic activity in vitro.