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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
Accessing the Cytotoxicity and Cell Response to Biomaterials
Published on: July 8, 2021
Mechanisms of root canal sealers cytotoxicity on osteoblastic cell line MC3T3-E1
Dong Hee Lee1, Bum-Sun Lim, Yong-Keun Lee
1Department of Dental Biomaterials Science and Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.
Objective:
The cytotoxic mechanisms of root canal sealers (Sealapex, AH26, and N2 Universal) were studied in vitro with MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells.
Study Design:
MC3T3-E1 cells were cotreated with root canal sealers and antioxidants, and concentrations of intracellular glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured. DNA fragmentation was observed after treatment with the sealers.
Results:
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) prevented N2 Universal- and AH26-induced cytotoxicities. However, ascorbic acid and Trolox did not affect the cytotoxicity of the sealers. N2 Universal and AH26 significantly decreased the GSH pool within a 3-hour treatment period. Unlike GSH levels, the ROS levels were not altered by the sealers. Cytotoxicity of Sealapex was not affected by NAC, and there were no changes of GSH/glutathione disulfide levels in cells treated with Sealapex.
Conclusion:
Cytotoxicities of N2 Universal and AH26 are caused by an intracellular GSH depletion without a burst of ROS. Sealapex may cause cytotoxicity in a way different from N2 Universal and AH26.
