Gingerol Enhances Osteogenic/Odontogenic Differentiation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells Impaired by Oxidative Stress via the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway
Source abstract
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) possess significant regenerative potential; however, oxidative stress impairs their viability and osteogenic differentiation. Gingerol, the principal bioactive component of ginger, exhibits antioxidant and cytoprotective properties. This study evaluated the protective effects of gingerol on DPSCs exposed to H2O2-induced oxidative stress. Materials and Methods: DPSCs isolated from extracted human teeth following Institutional Review Board approval and informed consent were exposed to H2O2-induced oxidative stress and treated with varying concentrations of gingerol. Cell viability, migration, osteogenic activity, mineralization, intracellular ROS accumulation, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling-related gene expression were evaluated using MTT, scratch wound healing assay, Alizarin Red S staining, ROS staining, ELISA, and real-time PCR. Results: Gingerol improved DPSC viability, migration, and mineralization under oxidative stress conditions. Increased ALP and BSP expression indicated enhanced osteogenic activity, while reduced ROS accumulation suggested attenuation of oxidative injury. Gingerol also modulated MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression and normalized oxidative stress-associated alterations in inflammatory and Wnt/β-catenin signaling-related gene expression. Conclusions: Gingerol demonstrated protective effects against oxidative stress-induced dysfunction in DPSCs and supported osteogenic differentiation. These findings suggest that gingerol may serve as a supportive bioactive candidate for regenerative dental applications; however, further mechanistic and in vivo studies are required to confirm its therapeutic potential.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Ginger and Zingiberaceae research · Mesenchymal stem cell research · Wound Healing and Treatments
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Oral Diagnosis, Oral Biology & Periodontology, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
Intern Clinic, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Taibah University, Madinah 42353, Saudi Arabia
Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
Funding
Deanship of Research and Graduate Studies at King Khalid University, KSA
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