Tannin-fluoride preparation attenuates prostaglandin E2 production by dental pulp cells

Glass ionomer cements (GICs) are widely used for the operative restoration of dental caries. However, it has been reported that the components of GICs cause pulpal inflammatory responses. Recently, GICs containing tannin-fluoride preparation (HY agent) were developed. In this study, we investigated the effect of HY agent on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release from GIC-stimulated rat dental pulp cells (RPC-C2A). Extracts derived from GIC disks were used with HY(+) and without HY(-) agent. After treatment with GIC extracts, ATP contents, COX-2 mRNA and protein expression in RPC-C2A cells, and PGE2 production in culture media were analyzed. HY agent suppressed HY(-)-stimulated PGE2 release from RPC-C2A cells, as well as COX-2 mRNA and protein expression. Moreover, tannic acid attenuated COX-2 mRNA induced by HY(-) extract in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, these results suggest that tannic acid in HY agent may suppress GIC-induced production of PGE2 by inhibition of COX-2 expression in dental pulp cells.