Pleiotropic role of simvastatin and alendronate on mesenchymal stem cells

Abstract

Objectives: Previously, our research group has investigated the effect of alendronate (ALN) and simvastatin (SV) in their minimum inhibitory dose (IC50) on oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line where inhibition of angiogenesis has been demonstrated. In the present study, we further investigate the effect of the previously calculated IC50 of SV and ALN and their combination on two different types of stem cells to show that the same drug may have different effects on different cells. Methods: Stem cells were isolated from rat adipose tissue and oral mucosa. After passaging, cells were subjected to Aln, Sv separately as well as combined in their half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay was performed to evaluate cytotoxicity. After seven days, osteogenic differentiation was evaluated using alizarin stain. Real time polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate Osteopontin gene expression. Results: Our results demonstrated that the proposed combination of Aln and Sv in their IC50 enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of both types of stem cells. Conclusion: The combined effect of Aln and Sv may represent a novel pharmacological approach in treating bone metastasis and at the same time treating the cancer itself.