Alpha-Mangostin Suppresses LPS-Induced Inflammation in Human Dental Pulp Cells
, Jeong-Tae Koh 3, Yun-Chan Hwang 1, Won-Mann Oh 1,* and Bin-Na Lee 1,*
Paulo Maurício
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
The work sent for review raises a very interesting issue, which is the use of Alpha-mangostin to inhibit the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways in LPS-treated hDPCs. In the introduction, the authors described the importance of medicinal properties of mangosteen. The effects of Alpha-mangostin features such as anti-oxidant and radical scavenging activity are clearly presented; modulation of inflammation-related cellular activities (in mast cells, macrophages, lymphocytes, and neutrophils); modulation of the activities of pro-inflammatory enzymes; modulation of the production of other pro-inflammatory molecules; and modulation of proinflammatory gene expression. This allows you to hypothesize the impact of natural extracts, especially those isolated from tropical plants, have contributed to the development of therapeutic drugs against various human diseases. The authors also provided information that all procedures were performed with the informed consent of each patient. The experimental protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Chonnam National University Dental Hospital, Gwangju, Korea (IRB No: CNUDH-2016-0016).
The research material was HDPCs which was isolated from freshly extracted caries-free supernumerary teeth of 10 healthy patients (6-12 years old) at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Chonnam National University Dental Hospital. This is a drawback that the test group includes only a small number of samples.
The work is written in correct English. The methods used and their description are also correct. I did not find any factual errors in the publication. The applied research also has a practical aspect, the application of which may find application in clinical practice. I believe that the work qualifies for publication in an unchanged form, and supplementing the number of samples in the future may be a basis for more widely designed research.
Author Response
Thank you for your kind comments.
Reviewer 2 Report
It is a well-designed study of cellular systems. We are all aware of the limitations of cell systems when testing new agents. You have a very specific limited outcome. You conducted a preliminary toxicity assessment, which adds to the study's value. Because, in the end, you want to suggest using a-MG to treat pulp inflammation. As a result, it should be discussed how this could be used:
injectable agent? Gel ? Liquid? Please add any relevant comments.
Author Response
→ Thank you for your kind comments. We added a-MG in liquid form. This is described in M&M (2.1 reagent) section.
Reviewer 3 Report
A less synthetic conclusion can enhance this work with high interest and with potential clinical application.
Author Response
→ Thank you for your kind comments. We added potential clinical applications in the conclusion section
Reviewer 4 Report
The work is well designed and I congratulate the authors for this research. However, the work lacks the characterization of the cells. It is necessary to demonstrate that the cells used are mesenchymal stem cells. I recommend that the authors indicate the commercial lineage used (if any), article in which the cells were previously characterized (if applicable) or present, at least, the data of immunophenotypic characterization and plasticity assay of the cells.
Author Response
→ We absolutely agree with you. Of course, when we indicate that we used pulp stem cells, we need additional experimental results you provide. However, we described these cells as “dental pulp cells” not “dental pulp stem cells”. The pulp is composed of various cells, including stem cells. Therefore, we think it is unlikely that additional experiments will be necessary when using only pulp cells, not stem cells. We will make sure to use the method you suggested when planning the next experiment. Thank you for your kind comments.
