Root-end filling materials alter fibroblast differentiation.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Endodontics
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Root-end filling materials are crucial in endodontic surgery but their soft tissue effects are unclear.
• Investigating the differential biological responses of periodontal ligament (PDL) and gingival fibroblasts to these materials is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of common root-end filling materials on fibroblast survival, proliferation, and differentiation.
• To compare the biocompatibility and cellular responses induced by materials like mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and hybrid ionomer composite resin (HICR).

Main Methods:

• Co-culture experiments assessed initial cytotoxicity of root-end filling materials on PDL and gingival fibroblasts.
• Cellular responses, including proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, and gene expression (pleiotrophin, periostin), were analyzed.
• Material pre-conditioning (washing) was performed to evaluate reduced cytotoxicity.

Main Results:

• Initially cytotoxic materials showed reduced toxicity after pre-conditioning with MTA or HICR.
• PDL fibroblasts exhibited enhanced proliferation on MTA and survival on amalgam compared to gingival fibroblasts.
• MTA promoted alkaline phosphatase activity, whereas HICR inhibited it, indicating differential effects on fibroblast differentiation.

Conclusions:

• Root-end filling materials exert distinct effects on periodontal fibroblast differentiation.
• Material composition significantly influences fibroblast behavior, impacting outcomes in endodontic surgery.
• MTA and HICR demonstrate varied biocompatibility profiles, affecting key cellular processes in adjacent tissues.