Cytotoxic Effects of Glass Ionomer Cements on Bovine Pulp-Derived Cells

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of some glass-ionomer cements (GIC) upon bovine dental papilla-derived cells (SV3neoB).

Methods: Cylindrical-shaped (2x5mm) GIC test samples (Riva Self Cure, SDI; Riva Luting, SDI; Ketac Molar, 3M ESPE; Vitrebond, 3M ESPE; Fuji IX GP, GC; Fuji II LC, GC) were prepared according to the manufacturers' instructions. The SV3neoB immortalized by Thonemann and Schmalz (2000) were plated (25.000 cells/ml) in wells of 96 well-dishes, and maintained in a humidified incubator for 24 hours at 37°C, 5% CO2 and 95 % of air. The test samples were immersed in 3 ml of MEMa with 20% fetal bovine serum and 5% penicilin streptomycin gentamisin. After 24 hours incubation of the cells, the incubation medium was replaced by the immersed medium in which the samples were stored. Then SV3neoB were incubated in contact with eluates for 24 hours. The cell metabolism was evaluated by the methyltetrazolium test. The data were submitted to the statistically analyzed by Mann-Whitney U-test.

Results: The results showed that the all eluates from tested GICs were cytotoxic to SV3neoB (p<0,05). While Ketac Molar presented the lowest cytotoxic effects, the cells exposed to Riva luting cement presented the most cytotoxic effects to the cultured pulp cell line.

Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that GICs release some cytotoxic agents to pulp cells. Therefore they should be used carefully when pulp is exposed or only very thin dentin remained over the pulp. This study revealed important information for clinical applications of GICs in conservative dentistry (This project was carried out in Selcuk University, Dental Faculty Research Center and supported by TUBITAK-SBAG/106S189).