Effects Of Methacrylates On Pulp Cells Energy And Redox Metabolism

Objective: The incomplete polymerization of resin based materials causes release of monomers that in turn might affect cell metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of triethylenglycol-dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), 1,4-butanediol dimethacrylate (BDDMA) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) on 1) cellular energy metabolism (oxygen consumption rate, glucose consumption, Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PDH) activity, lactate production) 2) cellular redox status (glutathione concentration, activities of the enzymes regulating cellular glutathione metabolism and redox status). Method: Human pulp cells (HPCs) were used and oxygen consumption was evaluated by Clark electrode. Moreover ROS production was quantified by 2’,7’-dichlorodihydrofluorescin. Enzymatic activity, glucose and lactate concentrations were evaluated through specific kit by means of absorbance technique. Result: All monomers tested induced a decrease of oxygen consumption rate, a significant enhancement of glucose consumption and lactate production. Whilst G6PDH and Glutathione Reductase activity were not significantly modified respect to control cells. Moreover, the monomers induced an increase of ROS production with a consequent increase of SOD and catalase enzymatic activity. A depletion both of reduced and total glutathione after 4h of incubation was also observed. Conclusion: Our results suggest that dental monomers might change energy metabolism and glutathione redox balance in HPCs.