Cytotoxicity Analysis of Strontium Ranelate on Cultured Human Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts: A Preliminary Report

Abstract Background/Purpose The aim of this study was to analyze the cytotoxicity of strontium ranelate (SR) on human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDL cells) in vitro. Methods PDL cells were obtained from healthy human third molars and cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium. The experimental groups were: G1, cultures treated with fresh medium (control); and G2, G3, G4 and G5: treated with SR at 20, 10, 5 and 2.5 mg/mL, respectively. The experimental times were 1, 6, 12 and 24 hours (short-term) for viability, and 2, 4, 6 and 8 days (long-term) for cell survival. The cells were counted using a hemocytometer. Data were then analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests ( p < 0.05). Results Cultures treated with the highest SR concentrations (G2 and G3) had significantly lower cell viability and cell numbers ( p < 0.05) than those in G1, G4 and G5. SR at 2.5 mg/mL was non-cytotoxic to PDL cells. Conclusion SR was non-toxic at appropriate concentrations. Preclinical tests are needed to further assess its safety and effectiveness for tooth resorption prior to clinical use.