Effect of dexamethasone on the growth and differentiation of osteoblast-like cells derived from the human alveolar bone

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effect of dexamethasone on the growth and differentiation of osteoblast-like cells derived from the human alveolar bone. METHODS: Bone particles were collected from patients during implant-site preparation. The samples were cultured in a growth medium, and the cells that propagated after two–three weeks were cultured in three types of culture media: group 1, normal medium; group 2, osteogenic medium without dexamethasone; and group 3, osteogenic medium with dexamethasone—for zero, four, seven, and 20 days. DNA and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) measurements and alizarin red/toluidine blue staining were performed. RESULTS: DNA levels were significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1 on day 7 (p < 0.001) and in group 3 on days 4, 7, and 20 (p < 0.041, p < 0.006, and p < 0.001, respectively). Further, total ALP levels were significantly higher in group 3 than in groups 1 on day 20 (p < 0.023). A greater amount of matrix mineralisation was observed in group 3 than in groups 1 and 2. CONCLUSIONS: Human alveolar bone cells exhibit improved osteogenic efficacy in terms of osteogenic differentiation when cultured in the presence of dexamethasone. The cell number (total DNA content) decreased in the presence of dexamethasone; however, an increased differentiation of osteoblast-like cells was observed.