The Influence of Bioceramic Cements on the Activity of Macrophages of Different Lineages: A Laboratory Study.

INTRODUCTION: The repair process of periradicular tissues depends, among other factors, on the properties of endodontic cements. Macrophages are among the main cells involved in this process.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Murine peritoneal macrophages obtained from C57BL/6 (MBL6) and BALB/c (MBalb) mice, respectively, were cultured with capillaries containing or not Endosequence BC Sealer (BC), Sealer Plus BC (MK), Bio-C Sealer (Ang), and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Cell viability was measured by Trypan blue and MTT methods at 24, 48, and 72 hours. Cell adhesion, phagocytosis of Saccharomyces boulardii, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and the cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β were also evaluated. The data were analyzed using the analysis of variance test (P < .05).

RESULTS: Cell viability was similar between bioceramic sealers and MTA (P > .05). There was no statistical difference between both macrophages when adherence and phagocytose were assayed. The presence of inflammation stimulus significantly altered the production of ROS by MBL6 macrophages in contact with the cements. The production of TGF-β was similar for both lineages of macrophages.

CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the evaluated bioceramic cements do not interfere with MBL6 and MBalb macrophage adhesion, phagocytic capacity, or TGF-β production. The cements stimulated the production of ROS by MBL6 macrophages in response to induced inflammation, potentially favoring the elimination of residual pathogens.