2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate inflammatory effects in human gingival fibroblasts

Area of Science:

• Oral biology
• Dental materials science
• Inflammation research

Background:

• 2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) is a common monomer in dental materials.
• Understanding HEMA's inflammatory potential in oral cells is crucial for material safety.
• Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) are key cells involved in the oral inflammatory response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the inflammatory response of HGFs to low-concentration HEMA.
• To assess the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HEMA-induced inflammation.
• To quantify changes in key inflammatory markers: COX-2, TNF-α, and PGE₂.

Main Methods:

• HGFs were treated with 3 mmol L⁻¹ HEMA for 0, 24, or 96 hours.
• ROS production was measured using flow cytometry.
• Gene expression (COX-2, TNF-α) was analyzed by RT-PCR, and PGE₂ release was quantified via enzyme immunoassay.

Main Results:

• HEMA significantly increased ROS levels (8-11 fold) after 24 and 96 hours.
• COX-2 gene expression elevated (2-4 fold) with HEMA exposure.
• TNF-α mRNA levels increased (66% at 24h, 5-fold at 96h), and PGE₂ release rose by 17% after 96h.

Conclusions:

• Low-dose HEMA (3 mmol L⁻¹) triggers an inflammatory response in HGFs.
• This response is mediated by ROS production.
• Increased TNF-α and COX-2 gene expression, along with PGE₂ release, contribute to HEMA-induced inflammation.