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Effects of metallic ion toxicity on human gingival fibroblasts morphology
R L Messer1, S Bishop, L C Lucas
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham 35294-4440, USA. messer52@eng.uab.edu
Abstract:
Alloys used as implant materials release metal ions to surrounding tissues. Cytotoxic substances attack at the molecular level, and these effects are reflected in the structure of the cells and organelles. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cellular morphology and ultrastructural changes of cultured human gingival fibroblasts to salt solutions of ions (beryllium (Be+2), chromium (Cr+6 and Cr+3), nickel (Ni+2), molybdenum (Mo+6)) which may be released from nickel-chromium dental alloys. The concentrations chosen were based on previously conducted cell culture studies. Fibroblasts were exposed to the different ion concentrations for 24 or 72 h. Cellular morphology and ultrastructural features were examined using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Ultrastructural alterations observed included irregular shaped nuclei for cells exposed to hexavalent chromium and nickel, pseudopodia for cells exposed to beryllium and molybdenum, and lipid droplet formation in cells exposed to nickel.
Insights
Metal ions from dental alloys can harm cells. This study examined how beryllium, chromium, nickel, and molybdenum ions affect human gingival fibroblast structure, revealing specific cellular changes like irregular nuclei and pseudopodia.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cell Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Dental alloys release metal ions into surrounding tissues.
- These ions can have cytotoxic effects at the molecular and cellular levels.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for implant material safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate cellular morphology and ultrastructural changes in human gingival fibroblasts.
- To assess the impact of specific metal ions (Be+2, Cr+6, Cr+3, Ni+2, Mo+6) released from nickel-chromium dental alloys.
- To correlate ion exposure with observable cellular damage.
Main Methods:
- Cultured human gingival fibroblasts were exposed to various ion concentrations.
- Exposure durations were 24 and 72 hours.
- Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used for ultrastructural examination.
Main Results:
- Hexavalent chromium and nickel exposure led to irregular nuclei.
- Beryllium and molybdenum exposure induced pseudopodia formation.
- Nickel exposure resulted in lipid droplet formation within cells.
Conclusions:
- Specific metal ions found in nickel-chromium dental alloys induce distinct ultrastructural changes in human gingival fibroblasts.
- These findings highlight the potential cytotoxicity of ion release from dental implant materials.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term implications for oral tissues.