Potential correlation between statins and pulp chamber calcification.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) are the first-line pharmaceuticals for the prevention and treatment of dyslipidemia. A recent investigation has shown that statins induced odontoblastic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells. Statins enhance the differentiation of human dental pulp cells by up-regulating mineralization nodules and odontogenic markers. This study tested the hypothesis that the systemic administration of statins results in increased dental pulp calcification.

METHODS:

This retrospective case-control study used digital bitewing radiographs of mandibular molars. Subjects (N = 90) aged ≥60 years were assigned to either test (n = 45) or control (n = 45) groups based on the systemic use of statins. The dimensions of the pulp chambers were measured using a standardized method for height and mesiodistal distances. The chi-square test was used to analyze the data. Multiple linear regression model analysis was performed to explore the association between statin intake and pulp calcification.

RESULTS:

Three of the 45 mandibular molars in the test group exhibited almost complete pulp chamber obliteration. There was a significant reduction in pulp chamber height ratio shown in the statin group compared with the control group (P < .0001). When the mesiodistal width was compared between the 2 groups, there was no significant difference (P = .3730).

CONCLUSIONS:

The significant increase of calcification and loss of vertical height of the pulp chamber observed in mandibular molars in patients on statin medication indicated a possible increased odontoblastic activity. Therefore, systemic statins could be a contributing factor for pulp chamber calcification.

• Authors: Mary T Pettiette, Sheng Zhong, Antonio J Moretti, Asma A Khan
• Journal: Journal of endodontics (J Endod) Vol. 39 Issue 9 Pg. 1119-23 (Sep 2013) ISSN: 1878-3554 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 23953283 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2013 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Case-Control Studies
• Dental Pulp (diagnostic imaging, drug effects)
• Dental Pulp Calcification (diagnostic imaging)
• Dental Pulp Cavity (diagnostic imaging, drug effects)
• Female
• Humans
• Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors (therapeutic use)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Molar (diagnostic imaging, drug effects)
• Odontometry (methods)
• Radiography, Bitewing (methods)
• Radiography, Dental, Digital (methods)
• Retrospective Studies