Conclusions
hDPSCs treated with RA and RA + AA showed significant reduction in proliferation, detectable morphological changes, and expression of the key differentiation gene RUNX2, consistent with an osteoblast phenotype. AA induced morphological changes and early formation of calcified nodules. RA had a predominant effect when AA and RA were used together.
Methods
hDPSCs were treated with different doses of RA and AA, separately or in combination (RA + AA). Morphology and cell proliferation were assessed. Osteoblast differentiation was evaluated by alizarin red, alkaline phosphatase staining, and RUNX2 gene expression.
Objective
This in vitro study investigated the effects of RA and AA on the differentiation of osteoblast from hDPSCs.
Results
A significant reduction was observed in the number of cells treated with RA (26%) and RA + AA (30%) after 12 days of treatment. AA treatment alone induced a 12% reduction in the number of cells. Morphologically, the cells treated with RA and RA + AA were larger and more elongated than the control cells. A mesh pattern was observed in cells treated with AA. Numerous calcified nodules were present in cells treated with RA, AA, and RA + AA. This coincided with increased expression of RUNX2 and high alkaline phosphatase staining levels. Conclusions: hDPSCs treated with RA and RA + AA showed significant reduction in proliferation, detectable morphological changes, and expression of the key differentiation gene RUNX2, consistent with an osteoblast phenotype. AA induced morphological changes and early formation of calcified nodules. RA had a predominant effect when AA and RA were used together.