Evaluating immunohistochemical and genetic expression of green-mediated nano-enhanced glass ionomer cement: An animal model study

This study aimed to compare the immunohistochemical (IHC) and genetic expression in tissues exposed to green-mediated nano-enhanced glass ionomer cement (GIC) and conventional GIC using an animal model.

This study investigated the IHC and genetic expression of green-mediated nano-enhanced GIC reinforced with chitosan, titanium, zirconia, and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. These nanoparticles were integrated into the GIC powder, and nine disc-shaped specimens (5 mm diameter and 2 mm thickness) were fabricated. The specimens were implanted subcutaneously into the dorsal region of 18 Wistar albino rats. Group I received conventional GIC (n = 6), Group II received nano-modified GIC (n = 6), and Group III was the sham control (n = 6). Histological slides were prepared at 3 and 30 days for IHC analysis of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and gene expression analysis by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analysis was performed with significance set at the 0.05 level.

Both the GIC groups showed increased IL-6 and TNF-α on day 3 compared to sham, indicating inflammation. On day 3, IL-6 was higher in conventional GIC (1.26 ± 0.020) and nano-modified GIC (1.23 ± 0.011) compared to sham (1.0 ± 0.001), but by day 30, the levels were similar across all the groups. TNF-α was elevated in both the GIC groups on day 3, with conventional GIC (1.15 ± 0.141) and nano-modified GIC (1.05 ± 0.109), and equal across the groups by day 30.

Green-mediated nano-enhanced GIC caused less inflammation and upregulated healing genes compared to conventional GIC, suggesting better integration and improved clinical outcomes. Long-term studies are needed to confirm these benefits.