Anti‐inflammatory effects of the prostacyclin analogue iloprost in an in vitro model of inflamed human dental pulp cells

Abstract

AbstractIloprost's anti‐inflammatory effects on human dental pulp stem cells (HDPCs) are currently unknown. We hypothesized that iloprost could downregulate the expression of inflammatory‐related genes and protein in an inflamed HDPC in vitro model. To induce inflammation, the HDPCs were treated with a cocktail of interleukin‐1 beta, interferon‐gamma, and tumour necrosis alpha, at a ratio of 1:10:100. Iloprost (10−6 M) was then added or not to the cultures. Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) mRNA expression were assessed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. IL‐6 protein expression was assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The results were analysed using one‐way ANOVA or the Kruskal–Wallis test. The cytokine cocktail induced more robust IL‐6 expression than LPS treatment. Iloprost slightly, yet significantly, downregulated IL‐6 and IL‐12 mRNA expression. These findings suggest that iloprost might be used as a beneficial component in vital pulp therapy.