Effects of resveratrol, quercetin and curcumin on human dental stem cells

Abstract

The biological effects of plant-derived compounds, resveratrol, quercetin and curcumin, have been studied, their effects on human dental stem cells are less studied. These three plant-derived compounds have similar chemical structures, polyphenols, and there are many researches about these compounds having similar biological activities including control colon cancer (by regulating Wnt-signaling pathway) and other chronic diseases. Meanwhile, human dental stem cells are rising as a promising sources of the regenerative dentistry, but there still exist many obstacles. So there is no basic therapy precisely, and even though there are many candidating materials for regenerative therapy, but still doubtful. Therefore in this study, as a view of bio-informatics based on chemical structure, polyphenols can be safe and effective biomaterials for dental regeneration, at least proliferation and mineralization of human dental stem cells including periodontal ligament stem cells(PDLSCs) and dental pulp stem cells(DPSCs). The proliferation of human dental stem cells was measured with MTT assay at 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours and the mineralization of hDSCs was measured by Alizarin red S staining for 2 and 3 weeks. Gene expression levels were analyzed by real-time PCR. The experimental groups treated with resveratrol, quercetin and curcumin at low concentration, showed promoted proliferation of hDSCs. But at high concentration, they showed suppression of proliferation or cytotoxic effects on hDSCs, especilly on PDLSCs. The results of Alizarin red S staining showed resveratrol, quercetin and curcumin increased mineralization of hDSCs. The results of real-time PCR supported the effects of these plant-derived compounds on mineralization of hDSCs.