Cell-cycle deregulation induced by three different root canal sealers in vitro

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 3 root canal sealers on the cell cycle of mouse fibroblasts (3T3 cell line). Freshly mixed root canal sealers (AH Plus, Endofill, and Sealer 26) were eluted for 24 h using cell culture medium. Antiproliferation activity of different eluate dilutions was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Cell cycle was subsequently evaluated by flow cytometry. Differences were tested by analysis of variance with Tukey test (P < .05). Results showed that the root canal sealers inhibited cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. Antiproliferation activity of the root canal sealers was associated with cell-cycle deregulation. This event involved cell-cycle arrest in the S/G2/M phases and an increase of the sub-G1 population, which are consistent with both cytostatic and cytotoxic effects. This information may contribute to a better understanding of the toxicity mechanism displayed by root canal sealers currently used in clinical practice.