The effects of fluocinolone acetonide on collagen synthesis and in vitro calcification in human dental pulp cells

Abstract

The purpose of treatment of pulpal exposure is to preserve vitality, healthy and promote healing of exposed pulp tissue. Fluocinolone acetonide (FA) is a potent topical glucocorticoid used in treatment of skin disorders and oral lesions. It may have a potential to promote tissue healing. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the effects of FA (0.1 to 10µM) on type 1 collagen synthesis and in vitro calcification in human dental pulp cells. The Western blot analysis was performed to examine the effect of FA on type 1 collagen synthesis at 5 days. The result showed that 1 and 10 µM of FA significantly stimulated the synthesis of collagen for about 2-fold (p>0.05). The result was confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) which indicated that 1 µM FA could significantly induce the expression of type 1 collagen mRNAs for about 2.8 times (p>0.05). Long term cultures were done to examine the in vitro calcification. After 28 days, the result showed no difference between FA-treated groups and the controls. These results demonstrated that FA enhanced type 1 collagen synthesis but not in calcification process. The results suggested that FA may be the potential substance as a pulp capping material.