Cytotoxicity of MTA and Portland Cement on Human Epithelial Cells

Mineral trioxide (MTA) has been frequently used as an apical plug following apical root resection as well as to seal off communications between the root canal system and the external surface of the root. Recently, Portland cement (PC) weas also found to contain same chemical elements as MTA. However, the biocompatibility of this compound was not full studied. Objective: This study was designed to investigate the cytotoxic effects of MTA and PC on cultured epithelial cells. Methods: Fresh mix of MTA (Dentsply) and PC (Medcem GmbH; Germany) were prepared at a concentration of 10 mg/ml in sterile distilled water. An aliquot was added to the seeded (1x10⁵) S-G epithelial cells and incubated for 24 hours. Viability of the epithelial cells was tested by MTT and Live/Dead BacLight assays. The metabolic activity of the cells was measured by XTT assay. All assays were done in triplicates and repeated three times. Results: MTA and PC did not affect the epithelial cell viability at the concentration tested. Over 95% of the cells were found to be viable. Live/dead Baclight assay also revealed equal numbers of live cells (> 92%) in the control and MTA or PC treated cells. The metabolic function of cells treated with MTA was reduced (30±6%) compared to the cells treated with PC. Conclusion: MTA and PC were found to be non-toxic to the cultured epithelial cells at the concentration tested. These results support previous findings demonstrating the biocompatibility on endothelial cells.

Supported by UT College of Dentistry Alumni Foundation.