Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)-induced cytokine expression in mice after experimental furcal perforation. BALB/c mice (n=5) were subjected to induced furcal drilling of the maxillary first molar followed by MTA sealing in the left side (experimental group) and paraffin sealing in the right side (control group). Animals were euthanized at 7, 14 and 21 days after sealing the perforations. The expression levels of the IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-4, TGF-β and RANKL genes were investigated by real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the teeth and surrounding tissues. In the experimental groups, after the 7th day, there was a down-regulation of the mRNA levels of TNF-α and IL-4 compared to the 14th day (p<0.05). In these groups, the mRNA levels of RANKL, IFN-γ and TNF-α were statistically higher after 14 days compared to 21 days post-MTA sealing (p<0.05). The level of IL-10 mRNA was increased at the 21st day (p<0.05). The mRNA expression of TGF-β did not exhibit any statistically relevant results. There was a statistical down-regulation of IL-4 gene expressions when control and experimental groups were compared at days 7 and 21. In conclusion, MTA sealing favored the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the intermediate phase of the immuno-inflammatory response (14th day). The reduction of these cytokines in later phase of the response was probably due to immunoregulation by IL-10.
Highlights
Furcal perforation is characterized by mechanical or pathologic communication between the root canal system and the external surface of the tooth [1]
A statistically significant increase in the TNF-α gene expression was observed in the experimental group from the 7th to the 14th day (p
In the mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)-sealed group there was an up-regulation of IL-4 gene expression in the 14th day (p
Summary
Furcal perforation is characterized by mechanical or pathologic communication between the root canal system and the external surface of the tooth [1]. It should be repaired as quickly as possible with a biocompatible material able to seal the cavity, prevent bacterial invasion and inflammation development. Several sealing materials have been proposed [2], since 1993, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is the most recommended material for repairing root and furcation perforations [3]. In the injured sites like furcal perforations, T lymphocytes produce several pro-inflammatory cytokines (Th1) that contribute to lesion progression and bone destruction [4,5,6]. Our research group previously demonstrated the MTA immune effects on the antibacterial activities of either M1 or M2-type macrophages [9], as well as on the adaptive immune responses [10]
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