Bioactive materials effect on dentin matrix and dentin protease activity

Abstract

Material selection for endodontic use in cases of deep cavities, apexification, or root canal sealing must be carefully performed due to undesirable possible outcomes related to the type and effect of the materials on biological activity and dental hard tissues. Different bioactive materials have been used for dental applications, and the fast development and modifications to the formula of those materials require investigations. This series of studies aimed to evaluate the effect of different bioactive calcium silicate-based materials, and an experimental ion-releasing surface pre-reacted glass (S-PRG) cement or released ions on dentin matrix integrity and dentin protease activity. Additionally, characterize the Ca-leaching profile, pH changes of these materials over time. The use of solvent solutions containing high concentrations of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and /or ethanol was suggested to increase the penetration of materials into dentin. Dentin pretreatments containing DMSO in either ethanolic or aqueous solutions were utilized to evaluate the effect of those solvents at different high concentrations on the cytotoxicity and bond strength of bioactive materials to root dentin. The ion-releasing material seemed to be a safe option in terms of cytotoxicity and effect on enzymatic activity but had low bond strength to radicular dentin. It has a good ability to prevent any cytotoxic effects, due to its high biocompatibility and ability to release different ions; some of the ions released by the S-PRG cement, as well as some of the tested materials, could inhibit the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cysteine cathepsins (CCs) activity. Although TheraCal had a better bond strength to dentin compared to MTA and S-PRG and seemed not to affect the dentin protease activity, it showed cytotoxic reaction toward odontoblast-like cells. In addition, both tested MTAs had caused dentin degradation over time and showed moderate cytotoxicity and lower bond strength compared to TheraCal. Results of these studies showed that the selection of the material could change depending on the use of the material.