Cytotoxicity and Gelatinolytic Activity of a New Silicon-Based Endodontic Sealer

Abstract

Purpose To compare the cytotoxicity, gelatinolytic activity, and protein levels (MMP-2 and MMP-9) produced by 3T3 fibroblasts cells after stimulation with GuttaFlow 2 and AH Plus. Methods 3T3 fibroblasts were incubated with elutes of GuttaFlow 2 and AH Plus for 24 h. The cytotoxicity of tested materials was determined using the MTT and the LDH assay. Supernatants of cell cultures incubated with sealers were collected to determine the levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 gelatinolytic activity by gelatin zymography. Cell lysates were used to determine MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein levels by Western Blot. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey test (P<0.05). Results AH Plus showed significantly less cell viability (mitochondrial activity of cells) than GuttaFlow 2 (P<0.01). Moreover, GuttaFlow 2 was noncytotoxic, showing no statistically significant difference in LDH leakage levels compared to the control group (p>0.05). Specific characterization of MMPs demonstrated that GuttaFlow 2 seemed not to affect MMP-2 levels compared with the control group, while AH Plus had elevated gelatinolytic activity and protein levels of MMP-2 as confirmed by quantitative measurements. No detectable gelatinolytic activity or protein levels of MMP-9 (92 kDa) was observed in any tested group. Conclusions GuttaFlow 2 did not showed cytotoxic effects and did not induce MMP-2 or MMP-9 expression.