Effect of Simplex liquid methyl methacrylate monomer on cells

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.