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Spectrophotometric Screening for Potential Inhibitors of Cytosolic Glutathione S-Transferases
Published on: October 10, 2020
Glutathione can efficiently prevent direct current-induced cytotoxicity.
Yuko Nakamura1, Akiko Shimetani, Hiroko Fujii
1Division of Endodontics, Meikai University School of Dentistry, Saitama, Japan.
Direct current (DC) used in root canal disinfection can harm host cells. Glutathione (GSH), a thiol antioxidant, effectively prevents this DC-induced cytotoxicity in human cells.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Endodontics
Background:
- Direct current (DC) in iontophoresis for root canal disinfection may cause host cell cytotoxicity.
- This cytotoxicity is potentially linked to free radicals and eluted metal ions from electrodes.
- Preventing DC-induced cytotoxicity is crucial for treatments involving periapical lesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the protective effects of various antioxidants against DC-induced cytotoxicity.
- To investigate the role of glutathione (GSH) in mitigating DC-induced cell damage.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of human polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) to DC with and without antioxidants.
- Assessment of cytotoxicity using cell viability assays.
- Measurement of intracellular GSH levels.
- Transmission electron microscopy to observe cellular morphology.
Main Results:
- N-acetyl-L-cysteine and glutathione (GSH) significantly prevented DC-induced cytotoxicity in PMNs.
- Inhibition of GSH synthesis enhanced DC cytotoxicity, which was reversed by exogenous GSH.
- DC treatment reduced intracellular GSH levels in a time-dependent manner.
- Exogenous GSH blocked DC-induced vacuolization and autophagolysosome accumulation.
Conclusions:
- Glutathione (GSH) effectively prevents direct current-induced cytotoxicity in host cells.
- GSH acts as a thiol antioxidant, protecting against DC-induced cellular damage.
- These findings suggest strategies to mitigate iontophoresis-related cytotoxicity in endodontic treatments.
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