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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
07:04
Confocal Time Lapse Imaging as an Efficient Method for the Cytocompatibility Evaluation of Dental Composites
Published on: November 9, 2014
Genotoxicity of urethane dimethacrylate, a tooth restoration component
Tomasz Poplawski1, Katarzyna Loba, Elzbieta Pawlowska
1Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland.
Summary
Urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) monomers in dental fillings can harm human lymphocytes, causing DNA damage and apoptosis. However, Vitamin C and chitosan offer protection against these genotoxic effects.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Toxicology
- Dental Materials
Background:
- Urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) is a common monomer in dental restorative composites.
- Incomplete polymerization can lead to UDMA monomer leaching into the oral cavity and pulp.
- Potential cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of UDMA monomers are a concern for oral health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of UDMA monomers on human lymphocytes.
- To determine the mechanism of DNA damage induced by UDMA.
- To evaluate the protective potential of Vitamin C and chitosan against UDMA genotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of human lymphocytes to varying concentrations of UDMA (0.1 and 1.0 mM).
- Assessment of cell viability and DNA damage using in vitro assays.
- Analysis of DNA lesions using DNA repair enzymes (Endo III and Fpg).
- Evaluation of protective effects of Vitamin C and chitosan.
Main Results:
- UDMA significantly decreased lymphocyte viability and induced DNA damage in a concentration-dependent manner.
- UDMA induced apoptosis in lymphocytes at 1.0 mM.
- UDMA primarily caused oxidative DNA lesions.
- Lymphocytes repaired DNA damage within 60 minutes.
- Vitamin C and chitosan mitigated the genotoxic effects of UDMA.
Conclusions:
- UDMA monomers exhibit significant cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on human lymphocytes.
- Oxidative DNA damage is a key mechanism of UDMA genotoxicity.
- Chitosan demonstrates potential as a protective agent against UDMA-induced genotoxicity.
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