Chitosan Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement Containing Epidermal Growth Factor Promotes Pulp Cell Proliferation with a Minimum Effect on Fluoride and Aluminum Release.

The development of biomaterials that are able to control the release of bioactive molecules is a challenging task for regenerative dentistry. This study aimed to enhance resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) for the release of epidermal growth factor (EGF). This RMGIC was formulated from RMGIC powder supplemented with 15% (w/w) chitosan at a molecular weight of either 62 or 545 kDa with 5% bovine serum albumin mixed with the same liquid component as the Vitrebond. EGF was added while mixing. ELISA was used to determine EGF release from the specimen immersed in phosphate-buffered saline at 1 h, 3 h, 24 h, 3 d, 1 wk, 2 wks, and 3 wks. Fluoride and aluminum release at 1, 3, 5, and 7 d was measured by electrode and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Pulp cell viability was examined through MTT assays and the counting of cell numbers using a Coulter counter. The RMGIC with 65 kDa chitosan is able to prolong the release of EGF for significantly longer than RMGIC for at least 3 wks due to its retained bioactivity in promoting pulp cell proliferation. This modified RMGIC can prolong the release of fluoride, with a small amount of aluminum also released for a limited time. This biomaterial could be useful in regenerating pulp-dentin complexes.

Biocompatibility and mineralization activity of modified glass ionomer cement in human dental pulp stem cells.

Background/purpose: Fortilin is a multi-functional protein involved in several cellular processes. It has been shown promising potential to be a bioactive molecule that can be incorporated in the dental materials. This study aimed to compare the biocompatibility and mineralization activities of modified glass ionomer cement (Bio-GIC) and Biodentine by direct and indirect method on human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). Materials and methods: Conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC), Bio-GIC (GIC supplemented with chitosan, tricalcium phosphate, and recombinant fortilin from Fenneropenaeus merguiensis), and Biodentine were examined in this study. Recombinant fortilin was purified and tested for its cytotoxicity by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Human DPSCs were treated with different material eluate for particular time intervals. At given time points, viability of hDPSCs was examined using MTT assay and calcium deposition was assessed by Alizarin red staining assay. Comparisons of the data among groups were analyzed by analysis of variance and Tukey's multiple comparisons. Results: All test materials demonstrated no cytotoxicity. In addition, Bio-GIC promoted cell proliferation at 72 h. For direct and indirect method, cells treated with Bio-GIC demonstrated significantly higher calcium deposition than other groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Bio-GIC and Biodentine are not cytotoxic to hDPSCs. Bio-GIC demonstrates enhanced calcium deposition comparable to Biodentine. Bio-GIC may be further developed as a bioactive material for dentin regeneration.

Biological Activities of Glass Ionomer Cement Supplemented with Fortilin on Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells.

This study aimed to determine the most suitable recombinant fortilin and evaluate the biological activities of glass ionomer cement (GIC) incorporated with fortilin on human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). Full-length and three fragments of Penaeus merguiensis fortilin were cloned and examined for their proliferative and cytoprotective effects on hDPSCs by MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Human DPSCs were cultured with GIC supplemented with fortilin, tricalcium phosphate, or a combination of tricalcium phosphate and fortilin, designated as GIC + FL, GIC + TCP, and GIC + TCP + FL, respectively (n = 4 for each group). At given time points, hDPSCs were harvested and analyzed by MTT, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, alkaline phosphatase activity, and Alizarin Red assays. The full-length fortilin promoted cell proliferation and significantly increased cell survival. This protein was subsequently added into the GIC along with tricalcium phosphate to investigate the biological activities. All experimental groups showed reduced cell viability after treatment with modified GICs on days 1 and 3. The GIC + TCP + FL group significantly promoted odontoblastic differentiation at particular time points. In addition, alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium phosphate deposit were markedly increased in the GIC + TCP + FL group. Among all experimental groups, the GIC incorporated with fortilin and tricalcium phosphate demonstrated the best results on odontogenic differentiation and mineral deposition in hDPSCs.

Long-Term Effect of Modified Glass Ionomer Cement with Mimicked Biological Property of Recombinant Translationally Controlled Protein.

This study modified glass ionomer cement (GIC) by adding mimicked biological molecules to reduce cell death. GIC was modified to BIOGIC by adding chitosan and bovine serum albumin for enhancing protein release. The BIOGIC was supplemented with tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and recombinant translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) to improve its biological properties. Four groups of materials, GIC, BIOGIC, BIOGIC+TCP, and BIOGIC + TCP + TCTP, were examined by XRD and SEM-EDX. TCTP released from the specimens was determined by an ELISA method. Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) were harvested and analyzed by MTT assay, apoptosis, gene expression, and cell differentiation. All groups had the same crystallization characteristic peaks of La2O3. The elemental compositions composed of La, Si, and Al are the main inorganic components. The results show that BIOGIC + TCP + TCTP presented significantly higher percentages of cell viability than other groups on day 1 to day 23 (p < 0.05), but were not different after day 24 to day 41 and had reduced cell apoptosis including BAX, TPT1, BCL-2, and Caspase-3. The BIOGIC + TCP + TCTP demonstrated higher odontoblast mineralization and differentiation markers including ALP activity, DSPP, DMP-1, ALP, BMP-2, and OPN. It enhanced cell proliferation and differentiation as well as mineralization with down-regulation of genes related to apoptosis compared with other groups.

Biological activities of a recombinant fortilin from Fenneropenaeus merguiensis.

Human Fortilin, an antiapoptotic protein, has also been implicated in several diseases; however, several potential uses of fortilin have also been proposed. Bearing the implications of fortilin in mind, fortilin analog, which has no complication with diseases, is required. Since a recombinant full-length fortilin from Fenneropenaeus merguiensis (rFm-Fortilin (FL)) reported only 44% (3e-27) homologous to human fortilin, therefore the biological activities of the Fm-Fortilin (FL) and its fragments (F2, F12, and F23) were investigated for potential use against HEMA toxicity from filling cement to pulp cell. The rFm-Fortilin FL, F2, 12, and F23 were expressed and assayed for proliferation activity. The rFm-Fortilin (FL) showed proliferation activity on human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) and protected the cells from 2-hydroxy-ethyl methacrylate (HEMA) at 1-20 ng/ml. In contrast, none of the rFm-Fortilin fragments promoted HDPC growth that may be due to a lack of three conserved amino acid residues together for binding with the surface of Rab GTPase for proliferative activity. In addition, rFm-Fortilin (FL) activated mineralization and trend to suppressed production of proinflammatory cytokines, including histamine (at 10 ng/ml) and TNF-α (at 100 ng/ml). Besides, the rFm-Fortilin (FL) did not mutate the Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell. Therefore, the rFm-Fortilin (FL) has the potential use as a supplementary medical material to promote cell proliferation in patients suffering severe tooth decay and other conditions.

Enhancing Activity of Pleurotus sajor-caju (Fr.) Sing ß-1,3-Glucanoligosaccharide (Ps-GOS) on Proliferation, Differentiation, and Mineralization of MC3T3-E1 Cells through the Involvement of BMP-2/Runx2/MAPK/Wnt/ß-Catenin Signaling Pathway.

Osteoporosis is a leading world health problem that results from an imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption. ß-glucans has been extensively reported to exhibit a wide range of biological activities, including antiosteoporosis both in vitro and in vivo. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for ß-glucan-mediated bone formation in osteoblasts have not yet been investigated. The oyster mushroom Pleurotus sajor-caju produces abundant amounts of an insoluble ß-glucan, which is rendered soluble by enzymatic degradation using Hevea glucanase to generate low-molecular-weight glucanoligosaccharide (Ps-GOS). This study aimed to investigate the osteogenic enhancing activity and underlining molecular mechanism of Ps-GOS on osteoblastogenesis of pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. In this study, it was demonstrated for the first time that low concentrations of Ps-GOS could promote cell proliferation and division after 48 h of treatment. In addition, Ps-GOS upregulated the mRNA and protein expression level of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and runt-related transcription factor-2 (Runx2), which are both involved in BMP signaling pathway, accompanied by increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralization. Ps-GOS also upregulated the expression of osteogenesis related genes including ALP, collagen type 1 (COL1), and osteocalcin (OCN). Moreover, our novel findings suggest that Ps-GOS may exert its effects through the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and wingless-type MMTV integration site (Wnt)/ß-catenin signaling pathways.

l-Quebrachitol Promotes the Proliferation, Differentiation, and Mineralization of MC3T3-E1 Cells: Involvement of the BMP-2/Runx2/MAPK/Wnt/ß-Catenin Signaling Pathway.

Osteoporosis is widely recognized as a major health problem caused by an inappropriate rate of bone resorption compared to bone formation. Previously we showed that d-pinitol inhibits osteoclastogenesis but has no effect on osteoblastogenesis. However, the effect on osteoblast differentiation of its isomer, l-quebrachitol, has not yet been reported. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to investigate whether l-quebrachitol promotes the osteoblastogenesis of pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. Moreover, the molecular mechanism of action of l-quebrachitol was further explored. Here, it is shown for the first time that l-quebrachitol significantly promotes proliferation and cell DNA synthesis. It also enhances mineralization accompanied by increases in mRNA expression of bone matrix proteins including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), collagen type I (ColI), osteocalcin (OCN), and osteopontin (OPN). In addition, l-quebrachitol upregulates the mRNA and protein expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and runt-related transcription factor-2 (Runx2), while down-regulating the receptor activator of the nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) mRNA level. Moreover, the expression of regulatory genes associated with the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and wingless-type MMTV integration site (Wnt)/ß-catenin signaling pathways are also upregulated. These findings indicate that l-quebrachitol may promote osteoblastogenesis by triggering the BMP-2-response as well as the Runx2, MAPK, and Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

Effect of recombinant vascular endothelial growth factor and translationally controlled tumor protein on 2­hydroxyethyl methacrylate­treated pulp cells.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A is a potential signaling protein that may promote angiogenesis. VEGF also helps cells survive in stressfull or hazardous conditions. The present study aimed to compare the effect of VEGF with translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP), an anti­apoptotic protein in human dental pulp cells (HDPCs), following exposure to 2­hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), which is a major residual monomer from resin restorative dental materials. Cell viability, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mineralization and gene expressions for odontogenic and osteogenic differentiation markers of HDPCs were investigated, following exposure to HEMA and in combination with TCTP and VEGF. The results revealed that TCTP at 1 ng/ml and VEGF at 10 ng/ml significantly promoted the proliferation of HDPCs (P<0.05). TCTP (1 ng/ml) and VEGF (10 ng/ml) maintained the cell viability of 4 mM HEMA­treated cells at the same percentage as the control. However, cells treated with HEMA+TCTP+VEGF had a lower cell viability than the groups treated with HEMA and TCTP or VEGF alone. TCTP and VEGF promoted cell proliferation, ALP activity and mineralization, and upregulated of DSPP, DMP­1, BMP­2, and ALP mRNA expression compared with the control. Furthermore, the HEMA+TCTP and HEMA+VEGF groups had significantly higher percentages of calcium deposition than HEMA­treated cells (P<0.001). HEMA was cytotoxic to HDPCs, reduced ALP activity and caused the significant downregulation of odontogenic and osteogenic gene expressions (P<0.05). It was concluded that VEGF and TCTP promoted pulp cell growth and the survival of HEMA­treated cells without synergistic effects. TCTP was required in lower concentrations for these effects. VEGF and TCTP enhanced cell differentiation and mineralization.

Expression of translationally controlled tumor protein in heat-stressed human dental pulp cells.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of heat stress on cell viability, translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) expression, and the effects of recombinant TCTP on heat-stressed human dental pulp cells (HDPCs). METHODS: HDPCs were isolated from human teeth and cultured at 37°C. For heat stress, HPDCs were incubated at 43°C for 45min. After heat stress, recombinant TCTP were added to HDPCs and cultured for various periods of time at 37°C. Heat-treated cells were then analyzed by DNA staining with Hoechst 33258, MTT, and caspase 3 activity assays. TCTP expression level was assessed by real-time PCR and western blot analysis. RESULTS: Heat-treated cells displayed lower cell density and nuclear morphology resembling apoptotic body. Heat stress significantly decreased cell viability and induced activity of caspase 3. The effect of recombinant TCTP on pulp cell death from heat stress varied depending on each subject and TCTP concentration. Heat stress up-regulated TCTP mRNA expression level. In contrast, TCTP protein level remained unchanged. Recombinant TCTP did not affect TCTP mRNA expression but down-regulated TCTP protein in heat-treated cells. CONCLUSIONS: Heat stress induces caspase 3 activation and up-regulates TCTP mRNA expression in HDPCs. TCTP did not play a key role on pulp cell recovery from heat stress.

Translationally controlled tumor protein supplemented chitosan modified glass ionomer cement promotes osteoblast proliferation and function.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) supplemented in a novel glass ionomer cement (BIO-GIC) on normal human osteoblasts (NHost cells). BIO-GIC was a glass ionomer cement (GIC) modified by adding chitosan and albumin to promote the release of TCTP. NHost cells were seeded on specimens of GIC, GIC+TCTP, BIO-GIC and BIO-GIC+TCTP. Cell proliferation was determined by BrdU assay. It was found that BIO-GIC+TCTP had significantly higher proliferation of cells than other specimens. Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and osteopontin (OPN) gene expressions assessed by quantitative real time PCR and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were used to determine cell differentiation. Bone cell function was investigated by calcium deposition using alizarin assay. Both BMP-2 and OPN gene expressions of cells cultured on specimens with added TCTP increased gradually up-regulation after day 1 and reached the highest on day 3 then down-regulation on day 7. The ALP activity of cells cultured on BIO-GIC+TCTP for 7 days and calcium content after 14 days were significantly higher than other groups. BIO-GIC+TCTP can promote osteoblast cells proliferation, differentiation and function.

Ultrasound treatment increases transfection efficiency of low molecular weight chitosan in fibroblasts but not in KB cells.

The aim of this study was to optimize transfection efficiency (TE) of the depolymerized low molecular weight (LW) chitosan with molecular weight (Mw) at 16 kDa and 54% degree of deacetylation (DDA) on three primary cells of fibroblast (F), dental pulp (P), and periodontal ligament (PDL). The effect of low frequency ultrasound treatment on the chitosan-DNA complexes prior transfection on TE was also evaluated. This LW chitosan required high N/P ratio (>34) to bind DNA completely. An N/P ratio above 56 tended to improve TE in most primary cells nearly at the level of Lipofectamine. Ultrasonication can reduce the aggregation and sizes of the chitosan-DNA microparticles. It increased TE of F cells at an N/P ratio above 34, which was higher than Lipofectamine. However, this ultrasound treatment caused loss of TE in KB cells. MTT assay of these chitosan-DNA complexes revealed no significant cytotoxicity to both KB and F cells. This LW chitosan has potential for further development into a safer alternative to gene delivery systems in various cells of interest; however the optimal conditions have to be adjusted, depending on each cell source.

Effect of novel chitosan-fluoroaluminosilicate resin modified glass ionomer cement supplemented with translationally controlled tumor protein on pulp cells.

Dental materials that can promote cell proliferation and function is required for regenerative pulp therapy. Resin modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC), a broadly used liner or restorative material, can cause apoptosis to pulp cells mainly due to HEMA (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), the released residual monomer. Recent studies found that chitosan and albumin could promote release of protein in GIC while translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) has an anti-apoptotic activity against HEMA. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of chitosan and albumin modified RMGIC (Exp-RMGIC) supplemented with TCTP on pulp cell viability and mineralization. Exp-RMGIC+TCTP was composed of RMGIC powder incorporated with 15 % of chitosan, 5 % albumin and supplemented with TCTP mixed with the same liquid components of RMGIC. The effect of each specimen on pulp cells was examined using the Transwell plate. From the MTT assay, Exp-RMGIC+TCTP had the highest percentages of viable cells (P < 0.05) at both 24 and 74 h. Flow cytometry revealed that, after 24 h, Exp-RMGIC+TCTP gave the lowest percentages of apoptotic cells compared to other groups. There was no difference in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity among different formula of the specimens, while cells cultured in media with TCTP had higher ALP activity. Von Kossa staining revealed that RMGIC+TCTP, and Exp-RMGIC+TCTP had higher percentages of calcium deposit area compared to those without TCTP. It was concluded that Exp-RMGIC supplemented with TCTP had less cytotoxicity than RMGIC and can protect cells from apoptosis better than RMGIC supplemented with TCTP.

3D interconnected porous HA scaffolds with SiO2 additions: effect of SiO2 content and macropore size on the viability of human osteoblast cells.

3D interconnected porous scaffolds of HA and HA with various additions of SiO2 were fabricated using a polymeric template technique, to make bioceramic scaffolds consisting of macrostructures of the interconnected macropores. Three different sizes of the polyurethane template were used in the fabrication process to form different size interconnected macropores, to study the effect of pore size on human osteoblast cell viability. The template used allowed fabrication of scaffolds with pore sizes of 45, 60, and 75 ppi, respectively. Scanning microscopy was used extensively to observe the microstructure of the sintered samples and the characteristics of cells growing on the HA surfaces of the interconnected macropores. It has been clearly demonstrated that the SiO2 addition has influenced both the phase transformation of HA to TCP (ß-TCP and α-TCP) and also affected the human osteoblast cell viability grown on these scaffolds.

Effect of acidic agents on surface roughness of dental ceramics.

BACKGROUND: An increase in surface roughness of ceramics may decrease strength and affect the clinical success of ceramic restorations. However, little is known about the effect of acidic agents on ceramic restorations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface roughness of dental ceramics after being immersed in acidic agents. METHODS: Eighty-three ceramic disk specimens (12.0 mm in diameter and 2.0 mm in thickness) were made from four types of ceramics (VMK 95, Vitadur Alpha, IPS Empress Esthetic, and IPS e.max Ceram). Baseline data of surface roughness were recorded by profilometer. The specimens were then immersed in acidic agents (citrate buffer solution, pineapple juice and green mango juice) and deionized water (control) at 37°C for 168 hours. One group was immersed in 4% acetic acid at 80°C for 168 hours. After immersion, surface roughness was evaluated by a profilometer at intervals of 24, 96, and 168 hours. Surface characteristics of specimens were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were analyzed using two-way repeated ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparisons (α = 0.05). RESULTS: For all studied ceramics, all surface roughness parameters were significantly increased after 168 hours immersion in all acidic agents (P < 0.05). After 168 hours in 4% acetic acid, there were significant differences for all roughness parameters from other acidic agents of all evaluated ceramics. Among all studied ceramics, Vitadur Alpha showed significantly the greatest values of all surface roughness parameters after immersion in 4% acetic acid (P < 0.001). SEM photomicrographs also presented surface destruction of ceramics in varying degrees. CONCLUSION: Acidic agents used in this study negatively affected the surface of ceramic materials. This should be considered when restoring the eroded tooth with ceramic restorations in patients who have a high risk of erosive conditions.

Gradual surface degradation of restorative materials by acidic agents.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of acidic agents on surface roughness and characteristics of four restorative materials. Fifty-two discs were created from each restorative material: metal-reinforced glass ionomer cement (Ketac-S), resin-modified glass ionomer cement (Fuji II LC), resin composite (Filtek Z250), and amalgam (Valiant-PhD); each disc was 12 mm in diameter and 2.5 mm thick. The specimens were divided into four subgroups (n=13) and immersed for 168 hours in four storage media: deionized water (control); citrate buffer solution; green mango juice; and pineapple juice. Surface roughness measurements were performed with a profilometer, both before and after storage media immersion. Surface characteristics were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Statistical significance among each group was analyzed using two-way repeated ANOVA and Tukey's tests. Ketac-S demonstrated the highest roughness changes after immersion in acidic agents (p<0.05), followed by Fuji II LC. Valiant-PhD and Filtek Z250 illustrated some minor changes over 168 hours. The mango juice produced the greatest degradation effect of all materials tested (p<0.05). SEM photographs demonstrated gradual surface changes of all materials tested after immersions. Of the materials evaluated, amalgam and resin composite may be the most suitable for restorations for patients with tooth surface loss.

Translationally controlled tumor protein against apoptosis from 2-hydroxy-ethyl methacrylate in human dental pulp cells.

2-Hydroxy-ethyl methacrylate (HEMA) is a major monomer released from resin-base dental restorative materials. HEMA is cytotoxic to pulp cells and leads to apoptosis. This study examined the effect of Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein (TCTP) against apoptosis from HEMA. TCTP from banana prawn (Penaeus merguiensis) was cloned and the protein was purified. It significantly increased the number of viable of HEMA-treated cells compared to HEMA-treated cells alone. Flow cytometry indicated the addition of TCTP at 10 µg/ml to 8 and 10 mM HEMA decreased the apoptotic cells from 20 to 10%. The proliferative property and anti-apoptotic activity against HEMA was concentration dependent. It was interesting that the added TCTP was not detected inside the cells and the native human TCTP was decreased after treated with HEMA and TCTP (20 µg/ml) + HEMA(10 mM) for 24 h. These results provided preliminary information, which may contribute to the development of less toxic dental materials.

Effect of naturally acidic agents on microhardness and surface micromorphology of restorative materials.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the titratable acidity and erosive potential of acidic agents on the microhardness and surface micromorphology of four restorative materials. METHODS: Forty-seven discs of each restorative material; metal-reinforced glass ionomer cement (Ketac-S), resin-modified glass ionomer cement (Fuji II LC), resin composite (Filtek Z250) and amalgam (Valiant-Ph.D.), 12 mm in diameter and 2.5 mm in thickness, were divided into four groups (5 discs/group). Specimens were then immersed for 7 days into four storage media; deionized water (control), citrate buffer solution, green mango juice and pineapple juice. Microhardness testing before and after immersions was performed. Micromorphological changes were evaluated under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Statistical significance among each group was analyzed using two-way repeated ANOVA and Tukey's tests. RESULTS: The Fuji II LC and the Ketac-S showed the highest reduction in microhardness (P<.05). The Valiant-Ph.D. and the Filtek Z250 showed some minor changes over the period of 7 days. The mango juice produced the greatest degradation effect (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that for restorations in patients who have tooth surface loss, materials selected should be considered. In terms of materials evaluated, amalgam and resin composite are the most suitable for restorations.

Effect of novel chitosan-fluoroaluminosilicate glass ionomer cement with added transforming growth factor beta-1 on pulp cells.

INTRODUCTION: Vital pulp therapy might benefit from the sustained release of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-ß1) from dental restorative materials. Chitosan has previously been shown to enable sustained release of bovine serum albumin (BSA) from glass ionomer cement (GIC). Because BSA can prolong release of growth factor, chitosan-fluoroaluminosilicate GIC with albumin (BIO-GIC) should sustain the effect of growth factor. This study investigated the effect of BIO-GIC with added TGF-ß1 on pulp cells. METHODS: BIO-GIC was prepared from GIC (conventional type) incorporated with 15% of chitosan and 10% of BSA. TGF-ß1 (100 ng) was added in BIO-GIC+TGF-ß1 and GIC+TGF-ß1 groups during each disk specimen (10 mm diameter, 1 mm high) preparation. Two control groups were BIO-GIC and GIC. The effect of each specimen on pulp cells was investigated by using the Transwell plate technique. Cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay at 2 time periods (each period lasting 3 days). Pulp cell differentiation was examined by alkaline phosphatase activity and also by cell mineralization, which was measured by calculating the area of mineralization with von Kossa staining. RESULTS: Percentage of viable cells of GIC+TGF-ß1 group was the highest after the first period. This might suggest an initial rapid release of TGF-ß1 from GIC. After the second period, BIO-GIC, BIO-GIC+TGF-ß1, and GIC+TGF-ß1 had more than 90% cell survival. It was significantly greater than GIC (82% ± 2%). There was no significant difference in alkaline phosphatase activity. BIO-GIC+TGF-ß1 had the highest mineralization area during 21 days. CONCLUSIONS: BIO-GIC could retain the effect of TGF-ß1.

Degradability of fluorapatite-leucite ceramics in naturally acidic agents.

This study was conducted to evaluate the titratable acidity and effect of naturally acidic agents on the surface microhardness, elemental composition, and surface morphology of fluorapatite-leucite ceramics. One hundred and ten ceramic disks (IPS d.SIGN), 12.0 mm in diameter and 2.0 mm in thickness, were fabricated. Before immersion, the baseline data of Vickers microhardness and elemental composition were recorded. Four groups were immersed in acidic agents (citrate buffer solution, green mango juice, and pineapple juice) and deionized water (control) at 37ºC for 168 hours, whereas one group was immersed in 4% acetic acid at 80ºC for 168 hours. After immersion, specimens were evaluated and data were analyzed using one-way repeated ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). Microhardness values significantly decreased after immersion (p<0.05). In terms of elemental composition, the weight percentages of silicon, potassium, aluminum, and sodium also decreased after immersion (p<0.05). Results of this study showed that fluorapatite-leucite ceramics were affected by long-term immersion in acidic agents.

The effect of acidic agents on surface ion leaching and surface characteristics of dental porcelains.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Acidic food and sour fruits and drinks have been investigated for their destructive effects on enamel. However, their effect on porcelain restorations has not been widely examined. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ion leaching of porcelains immersed in acidic agents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-five discs (12.0 mm in diameter and 2.0 mm in thickness) were made from each of 4 types of porcelain (VITA VMK 95, Vitadur Alpha, IPS Empress Esthetic, and IPS e.max Ceram). Baseline data of elemental compositions of all storage agents were recorded. Four groups of discs (n=10) were then immersed in acidic agents (citrate buffer solution, pineapple juice, and green mango juice) and deionized water (control) at 37 degrees C for 168 hours. One group was immersed in 4% acetic acid at 80 degrees C for 168 hours. After immersion, fluids from all specimens for each acidic agent were measured for ion leaching with an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. Surface characteristics of specimens were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were analyzed using 3-way repeated ANOVA and Tukey HSD multiple comparisons (alpha=.05). RESULTS: This study revealed that each type of porcelain had significantly leached the various ions to varying degrees after being immersed in acidic agents (P<.001 for all comparisons). SEM photomicrographs showed surface destruction of all porcelains. CONCLUSIONS: Acidic agents used in this study affected elemental dissolution of the 4 types of porcelains evaluated.