RESUMO
AIM: Natural substances such as omega-3 have been used in the medical field due to their numerous properties and, in particular, modulating effect on the systemic and local inflammatory processes. Thus, this study evaluated the influence of omega-3 supplementation on the subcutaneous tissue response of endodontic sealers in Wistar Rats. METHODOLOGY: Polyethylene tubes were implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of 48 animals (one empty for control and three filled with Sealapex, AH Plus or Endofill). The animals were treated with omega-3 (TO) or water (TW). Treatments started 15 days before implantation until euthanasia. After 5, 15 and 30 days (n = 8), animals were euthanized and polyethylene tubes and surrounding tissue were removed and processed for histological analysis. The inflammatory reaction was analysed by Haematoxylin and Eosin stain and immunolabelling for IL-6 and TNF-α. The collagen maturity was analysed by picrosirius red stain and calcium deposition by von Kossa stain and polarized light. Results were statistically analysed (p < .05). RESULTS: Amongst TW sealer groups, Endofill evoked a more intense inflammatory infiltrate compared with AH Plus and control in the 30-day period (p = .009). However, in TO sealer groups, there was no difference amongst the sealers and control in all periods (p > .05). Comparing each sealer as a function of the supplementation with water or omega-3, there are differences for Endofill (p = .001) and Sealapex (p = .005) in the 30-day period, presenting lower inflammatory infiltrate in the animals treated with omega-3. A higher percentage of immature fibres was observed at 15 and 30 days in the TO group, compared with the TW group (p < .05). The deposition of calcium particles was observed only by Sealapex in all periods, despite the supplementation procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Omega-3 supplementation influence the tissue reactions of endodontic sealers, modulating inflammation, the immunolabelling of IL-6 and TNF-α, the repair process and it does not interfere with calcium deposition.