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Effect of Simplex liquid methyl methacrylate monomer on cells
Abstract:
The effect of methyl methacrylate monomer used for polymerization of surgical bone cement on phagocytosis, blood cells, tissue cells in culture, and bacteria was investigated. A concentration of 0.5% monomer reduced the ability of macrophages in vitro to phagocytize cultures of Staphylococcus epidermidis effectively. In vivo, 0.03 ml injected into mice also reduced the capacity of peritoneal macrophages to phagocytize bacteria. Extent of cellular damage to blood cells varied with concentration of monomer used and time of contact but, in general 0.5% was sufficient to alter morphology and viability of blood cells and tissue cells in culture. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils sustained more damage than other types of blood cells. Only minor alterations were detected from cooled, polymerized cement. These studies support the concept that the monomer, as well as mechanical and thermal factors, may be responsible for some of the tissue changes seen at the site of implant of bone cement following total joint arthroplastic surgery.
Insights
Methyl methacrylate monomer in surgical bone cement impairs macrophage phagocytosis and damages blood and tissue cells. These effects, along with mechanical and thermal factors, may contribute to tissue changes after joint replacement surgery.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Surgical bone cement, containing methyl methacrylate monomer, is widely used in orthopedic procedures.
- Potential adverse effects of the monomer on biological systems are not fully understood.
- Tissue reactions at bone cement implant sites can complicate surgical outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of methyl methacrylate monomer on cellular functions and viability.
- To assess the effects on phagocytosis by macrophages, blood cells, and cultured tissue cells.
- To determine the role of the monomer in tissue alterations following arthroplastic surgery.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies exposing macrophages and tissue cells to varying concentrations of methyl methacrylate monomer.
- In vivo experiments involving injection of monomer into mice to evaluate peritoneal macrophage function.
- Assessment of cellular morphology and viability using microscopy and other relevant assays.
- Evaluation of Staphylococcus epidermidis phagocytosis by macrophages.
Main Results:
- A 0.5% monomer concentration significantly reduced macrophage phagocytosis of Staphylococcus epidermidis in vitro.
- In vivo, injected monomer decreased peritoneal macrophage phagocytic capacity.
- The monomer caused dose- and time-dependent damage to blood cells and cultured tissue cells, with polymorphonuclear neutrophils being particularly susceptible.
- Cooled, polymerized cement showed only minor cellular alterations.
Conclusions:
- Methyl methacrylate monomer negatively affects macrophage phagocytosis and cellular viability.
- Both the monomer and physical factors (mechanical, thermal) likely contribute to tissue damage observed around bone cement implants.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for mitigating complications in total joint arthroplastic surgery.