The aim of the present study was to determine the expression of MMP-9, MMP-13 and TIMP-3 after using the XP Bond ™ (Dentsply) dentin-bonding agent on 21 human teeth. Class I deep cavities were prepared and restored. After 01, 07, 14, 21, 30, 90 and 120 days, the teeth were extracted and processed for an immunohistochemical assessment (n=3). Immunohistochemical staining was performed using the monoclonal antibody anti-MMP-9, and polyclonal antibodies anti-MMP-13 and anti-TIMP-3. The immunoreactivity of metalloproteinases 9 and 13 was considered intense and moderate in the first storage intervals, before decreasing over time. In contrast, the immunoreactivity of TIMP-3 was considered absent in dentin and weak in pulp in the first time intervals, and completely absent in the subsequent intervals. MMP-9 expression in dentin and in pulp was prevalent in the dentinal tubules and odontoblastic layer, respectively. MMP-13 expression in dentin and in pulp was predominant in the pre-dentine region and odontoblastic layer, respectively. TIMP-3 expression was absent in dentin and predominantly located in the odontoblastic layer for pulp. In conclusion, the expression patterns of MMP-9, MMP-13 and TIMP-3 altered in the different time intervals studied. The increased expression of TIMP-3 in the first time intervals could suggest a synchronous response to the increased expression of MMPs in the same periods. The results confirmed the low performance of TIMP-3 in the physiological processes of the pulp-dentin complex for the conditions and materials tested herein.
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