In vitro genotoxicity of root canal sealers.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of leakage on differences in genotoxicity of root canal sealers ex vivo according to their main components using two different cytogenetic assays. METHODOLOGY: Six materials of different composition (GuttaFlow, Epiphany, Diaket, IRM, SuperEBA and Hermetic) were tested on human peripheral blood lymphocytes using the comet assay and chromosomal aberration analysis. Prepared materials were eluted in physiological solution for 1 h, 1 day, 5 and 30 days. Thereafter cultures were treated with 8 microg, 4 microg and 2 microg of each sealer. Frequencies of chromatide and chromosome breaks and accentric fragments were determined. Comet assay was used to evaluate primary DNA damage by measuring tail length and tail intensity. Chi-square, Fisher's PLSD (Protected Least Significant Difference) and Kruskall-Wallis non parametric tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: After 1-h elution only the highest dose of Diaket, Hermetic and SuperEBA significantly (P = 0.035, P = 0.048, P = 0.037 respectively) affected the measured cytogenetic parameters. The migration ability of DNA was more strongly affected than induction of chromosomal aberrations. After elutions longer than 24 h none of the tested sealers exhibited a genotoxic effect. CONCLUSION: Under the conditions used in the study all sealers had acceptable biocompatibility in terms of genotoxicity.