Dental sealants and composite restorations and longitudinal changes in immune function markers in children

Abstract

Resins used in dental composites, derived from bisphenol-A (BPA), have been shown to alter immune cells. The objective of this study was to explore children's immune function changes in relation to resin composite treatment. We conducted secondary data analysis of the New England Children's Amalgam Trial immune function substudy (N=59). Immune function was measured pre-treatment and up to five times post-treatment through 5-year follow-up. Multivariable generalized linear regression models were used to estimate the association between three classes of resin composites (bisphenol-A-diglycidyl-dimethacrylate [BisGMA]-based flowables used for preventive sealants; urethane dimethacrylate [UDMA]-based compomer restorations; bisGMA-based restorations) and changes in immune function markers measured annually. Total white blood cell counts and responsiveness of T cells or neutrophils were not appreciably altered by composite treatment levels. Changes in B cell responsiveness were greater throughout follow-up among children with more bisGMA-based composite restorations, which opposed findings for amalgam treatment levels. Monocyte responsiveness changes were decreased at 6months with greater treatment, but not over longer follow-up. Results of this analysis showed no overt immune function alterations associated with resin composites. Additional research regarding lymphocyte activation may be warranted given the consistency of results within these analyses and with a prior study showing increased B cell activation.