HEMA modulates the transcription of genes related to oxidative defense, inflammatory response and organization of the ECM in human oral cells

Investigation of biological effects of HEMA in 3D-organotypic co-culture models of normal and malignant oral keratinocytes

Several in vitro studies utilizing 2-dimensional (2D) cell culture systems have linked 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) with cytotoxic effects in oral mucosa and dental pulp cells. Although such studies are invaluable in dissecting the cellular and molecular effects of HEMA, there is a growing interest in the utilization of appropriate 3-dimensional (3D) models that mimic the structure of oral mucosa. Using a previously characterized 3D-organotypic co-culture model, this study aimed to investigate the cellular and molecular effects of HEMA on a 3D-co-culture model consisting of primary normal oral keratinocyte (NOK) grown directly on top of collagen I gel containing primary oral fibroblasts (NOF). The second aim was to examine the suitability of a 3D-co-culture system consisting of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells as a model system to investigate the biological effects of HEMA. We demonstrated that HEMA treatment led to reduced viability of NOK, NOF and OSCC-cell lines in 2D-culture. The keratinocytes in 3D-co-cultures of NOK and OSCC-cells reacted similarly with respect to cell proliferation and activation of autophagy flux, to HEMA treatment. Nevertheless, NOK was found to be more susceptible to apoptosis following HEMA treatment than OSCC in 3D-co-cultures. These results indicate that 3D-organotypic co-cultures of NOK might represent an appropriate model system for the investigation of the biological effects of HEMA and other dental biomaterials. Given the challenges in obtaining primary cultures of NOK and issues associated with their rapid differentiation in culture, the possible use of OSCC cells as an alternative to NOK for 3D models represents an area for future research.

Cytotoxicity of 3D printed resin materials for temporary restorations on human periodontal ligament (PDL-hTERT) cells

OBJECTIVES

Various dental resin materials are available for the fabrication of temporary restorations using modern additive printing methods. Albeit these materials are placed for several months in intimate contact with dental hard and soft tissues, including the gingival crevice, there exists only insufficient evidence on the biocompatibility of these materials. This in vitro study aimed to delineate the biocompatibility of 3D printable materials on periodontal ligament cells (PDL-hTERTs).

METHODS

Samples of four dental resin materials for additive fabrication of temporary restorations using 3D printing (MFH, Nextdent; GC Temp, GC; Freeprint temp, Detax; 3Delta temp, Deltamed), one material for subtractive fabrication (Grandio disc, Voco) and one conventional temporary material (Luxatemp, DMG) were prepared with a standardized size according to the manufacturer's instructions. Human PDL-hTERTs were exposed to resin specimens or eluates of the material for 1, 2, 3, 6 and 9 days. For determination of cell viability, XTT assays were performed. In addition, the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 and 8 (IL-6 and 8) was assessed in the supernatants with ELISA. Cell viability and the expression of IL-6 and 8 in presence of the resin material or their eluates was compared with untreated controls. Immunofluorescence staining for IL-6 and IL-8, as well as scanning electron microscopy of the discs after culturing, were performed. Differences between groups were analyzed with Student´s t-test for unpaired samples.

RESULTS

Compared to untreated control samples, the exposure against the resin specimen induced strong reduction of cell viability in case of the conventional material Luxatemp (p < 0.001) and the additive material 3Delta temp (p < 0.001) irrespective of the observation period. On the contrary, the presence of eluates of the various materials induced only minor changes in cell viability. Considering IL-6 (day 2: p = 0.001; day 6 and 9: p < 0.001) and IL-8 (day 1: p = 0.001; day 2, 3, 6, 9: p < 0.001) their expression was strongly reduced in presence of the eluate of Luxatemp. Except for IL-6 at day 1 and 6 also the material 3Delta temp caused significant reduction of both proinflammatory mediators at any time point.

SIGNIFICANCE

The conventional material Luxatemp and the additive material 3Delta temp appear to severely affect cell viability when in direct contact with PDL-hTERTs. The other tested materials of this new category of additive materials and the subtractive material Grandio seem to induce only minor changes in direct contact with these cells. Therefore, they could serve as a viable alternative in the fabrication of temporary restorations.

Effects of resin materials dedicated for additive manufacturing of temporary dental restorations on human gingival keratinocytes

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the effect of eluates of conventional and 3D-printed resin materials for manufacturing temporary dental restorations on gingival keratinocytes.

METHODS

Three-dimensional (3D)-printed resin materials: 3Delta temp (Deltamed), NextDent MFH (Nextdent), Freeprint temp (Detax), GC temp (GC), were compared to Grandio disc (Voco) and Luxatemp (DMG). Human gingival keratinocytes (IHGKs) were exposed to eluates of the materials and XTT assays were performed at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, or 144 h. For quantification of the proinflammatory response, the protein amount of IL-6 and 8 was determined in the supernatants using ELISA. One-way ANOVA with post hoc analysis was used to compare differences in cell viability and IL-6 and IL-8 levels between groups.

RESULTS

At 24 h, and more remarkably at 48 h, a significant decrease in cell viability occurred for the 3D-printed materials compared to the untreated IHGKs, but also compared to Grandio disc and Luxatemp. Except for the expression of IL-8 in presence of the eluate of Grandio disc at 24 and 48 h, all tested materials caused attenuation of IL-6 and 8 from IHGKs for any observation period.

CONCLUSIONS

The materials for additive manufacturing affect cell proliferation differently than the subtractive manufactured material Grandio disc and the conventional material Luxatemp.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

In comparison to conventional and subtractive manufactured restorations, 3D printed temporary restorations might induce more negative effects on the gingival and probably also on pulpal health since viability and the proinflammatory response of oral keratinocytes are more intensively affected by these materials.

Meta-analytical analysis on components released from resin-based dental materials

OBJECTIVES

Resin-based materials are applied in every branch of dentistry. Due to their tendency to release substances in the oral environment, doubts have been raised about their actual safety. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the last decade literature regarding the concentrations of elutable substances released from dental resin-based materials in different type of solvents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All the literature published on dental journals between January 2010 and April 2022 was searched using international databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science). Due to strict inclusion criteria, only 23 papers out of 877 were considered eligible. The concentration of eluted substances related to surface and volume of the sample was analyzed, considering data at 24 h as a reference. The total cumulative release was examined as well.

RESULTS

The most eluted substances were HEMA, TEGDMA, and BPA, while the less eluted were Bis-GMA and UDMA. Organic solvents caused significantly higher release of substances than water-based ones. A statistically significant inverse correlation between the release of molecules and their molecular mass was observed. A statistically significant positive correlation between the amount of released molecule and the specimen surface area was detected, as well as a weak positive correlation between the release and the specimen volume.

CONCLUSIONS

Type of solvent, molecular mass of eluates, and specimen surface and volume affect substances release from materials.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

It could be advisable to rely on materials based on monomers with a reduced elution tendency for clinical procedures.

Propolis in Oral Healthcare: Antibacterial Activity of a Composite Resin Enriched With Brazilian Red Propolis

The aim of this study was to obtain a Brazilian red propolis (BRP) enriched composite resin and to perform the characterization of its antibacterial activity, mechanical, and physical-chemical properties. Brazilian red propolis ethyl acetate extract (EABRP) was characterized by LC-ESI-Orbitrap-FTMS, UPLC-DAD, antibacterial activity, total flavonoids content, and radical scavenging capacity. BRP was incorporated to a commercial composite resin (RC) to obtain BRP enriched composite at 0.1, 0.15 and 0.25% (RP10, RP15 and RP25, respectively). The antibacterial activity RPs was evaluated against Streptococcus mutans by contact direct test and expressed by antibacterial ratio. The RPs were characterized as its cytotoxicity against 3T3 fibroblasts, flexural strength (FS), Knoop microhardness (KHN), post-cure depth (CD), degree of conversion (DC%), water sorption (Wsp), water solubility (Wsl), average roughness (Ra), and thermal analysis. Were identified 50 chemical compounds from BRP extract by LC-ESI-Orbitrap-FTMS. EABRP was bacteriostatic and bactericide at 125 and 500 μg/ml, respectively. The RP25 exhibited antibacterial ratio of 90.76% after 1 h of direct contact with S. mutans (p < 0.0001) while RC no showed significative antibacterial activity (p = 0.1865), both compared with cell control group. RPs and RC no showed cytotoxicity. RPs exhibited CD from 2.74 to 4.48 mm, DC% from 80.70 to 83.96%, Wsp from 17.15 to 21.67 μg/mm³, Wsl from 3.66 to 4.20 μg/mm³, Ra from 14.48 to 20.76 nm. RPs showed thermal resistance between 448–455°C. The results support that propolis can be used on development of modified composite resins that show antibacterial activity and that have compatible mechanical and physical-chemical properties to the indicate for composite resins.

Effect of Time and Temperature of Air Jet on the Mechanical and Biological Behavior of a Universal Adhesive System

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the influence of heat application on the degree of conversion (DC) of the 3M Single Bond Universal Adhesive System, as well as its transdentinal cytotoxicity and microtensile bond strength to dentin.

METHODS

Experimental groups were established according to the time and temperature of the air jet: G1: 5 seconds-25°C; G2: 10 seconds-25°C; G3: 20 seconds-25°C; G4: 5 seconds-50°C; G5: 10 seconds-50°C; G6: 20 seconds-50°C. In control group (G7), no treatment was performed. The DC was assessed using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) technique. For the transdentinal cytotoxicity test, dentin discs fitted in artificial pulp chambers (APC) received the application of the adhesive system and the air jets. For the microtensile bond strength, healthy molars were restored and submitted to the microtensile test after 24 hours and 6 months, respectively.

RESULTS

Significant reduction in viability of Mouse Dental Papilla Cell-23 (MDPC-23), which exhibited morphological changes, was observed in all experimental groups compared to control (p<0.05). Although all tested protocols resulted in transdentinal diffusion of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), the group G6 presented the highest degree of monomeric conversion and the lowest cytotoxic effect, with higher dentin bond strength values in comparison to group G1 (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Applying an air blast at 50°C for 20 seconds increases the DC and microtensile bond strength of the 3M Single Bond Universal Adhesive System to dentin, as well as reduces the transdentinal cytotoxicity of the material to pulp cells.

Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effects of Composite Resins on Cultured Human Gingival Fibroblasts

The aim of the study was to evaluate the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of five commercially available dental composite resins (CRs), investigating the effect of their quantifiable bisphenol-A-glycidyl-methacrylate (Bis-GMA) and/or triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) release. Experiments were performed using the method of soaking extracts, which were derived from the immersion of the following CRs in the culture medium: Clearfil-Majesty-ES-2, GrandioSO, and Enamel-plus-HRi (Bis-GMA-based); Enamel-BioFunction and VenusDiamond (Bis-GMA-free). Human Gingival Fibroblasts (hGDFs) were employed as the cellular model to mimic in vitro the oral cavity milieu, where CRs simultaneously release various components. Cell metabolic activity, oxidative stress, and genotoxicity were used as cellular outcomes. Results showed that only VenusDiamond and Enamel-plus-HRi significantly affected the hGDF cell metabolic activity. In accordance with this, although no CR-derived extract induced a significantly detectable oxidative stress, only VenusDiamond and Enamel-plus-HRi induced significant genotoxicity. Our findings showed, for the CRs employed, a cytotoxic and genotoxic potential that did not seem to depend only on the actual Bis-GMA or TEGDMA content. Enamel-BioFunction appeared optimal in terms of cytotoxicity, and similar findings were observed for Clearfil-Majesty-ES-2 despite their different Bis-GMA/TEGDMA release patterns. This suggested that simply excluding one specific monomer from the CR formulation might not steadily turn out as a successful approach for improving their biocompatibility.

Experimental resin-modified calcium-silicate cement containing N-(2-hydroxyethyl) acrylamide monomer for pulp tissue engineering

AIM

Our study aimed to measure (1) the flexural strength, (2) shear bond strength to dentin, (3) pH, and (4) calcium (Ca) release of a series of innovative resin-modified calcium-silicate pulp-capping cements (Rm-CSCs). Using an ex-vivo human vital tooth-culture model, we additionally assessed (5) their pulp-healing initiation when brought in direct contact with human dental pulp tissue.

METHODOLOGY

Three experimental Rm-CSCs, being referred to 'Exp_HEAA', 'Exp_GDM' and 'Exp_HEAA/GDM', contained either 20 wt% N-(2-hydroxyethyl) acrylamide (HEAA), 20 wt% glycerol dimethacrylate (GDM) or 10 wt% HEAA plus 10 wt% GDM, added to a common base composition consisting of 25 wt% urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA), 10 wt% 4-methacryloxyethyl trimellitate anhydride (4-MET), and 5 wt% N,N'-{[(2-acrylamido-2-[(3-acrylamidopropoxy)methyl] propane-1,3-diyl)bis(oxy)]bis-(propane-1,3-diyl)}diacrylamide (FAM-401). As Ca source and radiopacifier, 37 wt% tricalcium silicate powder (TCS) and 3 wt% zirconium oxide (ZrO 2) were respectively added.

RESULTS

All three experimental Rm-CSCs revealed a significantly higher flexural strength and shear bond strength to dentin (p < 0.05) than the commercial reference Rm-CSC TheraCal LC (Bisco). Exp_HEAA presented with a significantly higher Ca release and pH at 24 h compared with the other Rm-CSCs (p < 0.05). At 1 week, the Ca release and pH of Exp_HEAA and Exp_HEAA/GDM was significantly higher than those of Exp_GDM and TheraCal LC (p < 0.05). Using the ex-vivo human vital tooth culture model, Exp_HEAA revealed pulp-healing initiation capacity as documented by nestin and collagen-I expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Depending on the formulation, the innovative Rm-CSCs performed favorably for primary properties of relevance regarding pulp capping, this more specifically in terms of flexural strength, bond strength to dentin, as well as alkaline pH and Ca release. However, only Exp_HEAA revealed pulp-healing initiation in direct contact with human dental pulp tissue in the ex-vivo human vital tooth-culture model. This promising outcome for Exp_HEAA should be attributed to the combined use of (1) a novel hydrophilic acrylamide monomer, enabling sufficient polymerization while maintaining adequate hydrophilicity, with (2) the functional monomer 4-MET, possessing chemical bonding potential to dentin, and (3) tricalcium silicate powder to achieve an alkaline pH and to release Ca in a sufficient and controlled way.

Influence of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) exposure on angiogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs)

OBJECTIVE

The angiogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) is important for tissue homeostasis and wound healing. In this study the influence of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) on angiogenic differentiation was investigated.

METHODS

To evaluate HEMA effects on angiogenic differentiation, DPSCs were cultivated in angiogenic differentiation medium (ADM) in the presence or absence of non-toxic HEMA concentrations (0.1 mM and 0.5 mM). Subsequently, angiogenic differentiation was analyzed on the molecular level by qRT-PCR and protein profiler analyzes of angiogenic markers and flow cytometry of PECAM1. The influence of HEMA on angiogenic phenotypes was analyzed by cell migration and sprouting assays.

RESULTS

Treatment with 0.5 mM HEMA during differentiation can lead to a slight reduction of angiogenic markers on mRNA level. HEMA also seems to slightly reduce the quantity of angiogenic cytokines (not significant). However, these HEMA concentrations have no detectable influence on cell migration, the abundance of PECAM1 and the formation of capillaries. Higher concentrations caused primary cytotoxic effects in angiogenic differentiation experiments conducted for longer periods than 72 h.

SIGNIFICANCE

Non-cytotoxic HEMA concentrations seem to have a minor impact on the expression of angiogenic markers, essentially on the mRNA level, without affecting the angiogenic differentiation process itself on a detectable level.

Incorporation of dimethyl sulfoxide into experimental hydrophilic and hydrophobic adhesive resins: evaluation of cytotoxic activities

This study evaluated the cytotoxicity of methacrylate-based resins containing dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). DMSO was incorporated into hydrophobic (R2) and hydrophilic (R5) resins at weight concentrations of 0, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 5, or 10 w/w %. Resin discs (n = 10/group) were prepared. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1) were exposed to resin eluates for 24 h. Furthermore, dentin barrier test was performed using 3-D cultures of odontoblast-like cells (SV40 transfected pulp derived cells) with dentin slices of 400 µm thickness (n = 8). After acid etching of dentin, DMSO-modified resins were applied into the cavity part of the device and light-cured for 20 s. Cell viability (%) was assessed by MTT and analyzed spectrometrically. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey test (α = 0.05). Resin eluates showed statistically significantly lower % cell viability for all neat and DMSO-modified resins than seen for the negative control. Moreover, DMSO-R5 eluates resulted in significantly lower % cell viability than DMSO-R2 emulates. The dentin barrier test showed that DMSO-R2 did not result in significantly lower % cell viability, whereas incorporation of 1-10 w/w % DMSO into R5 resulted in significantly lower % of cell viability. Incorporating DMSO into hydrophilic self-etching resins may increase cytotoxicity. The biocompatibility is not influenced by the addition of DMSO into hydrophobic resin.

The effects of low-dose 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate on apoptosis and survival in human dental pulp cells

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) is one of the most major components in dentin bonding systems. Uncured HEMA is eluted through the dentin and harmful to pulp cells. The study aimed to investigate the death pattern, morphological change and factors of human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) cultured with low-dose HEMA.

METHODS

HDPCs were cultured with low-dose concentration of HEMA at 0 mM (control), 0.125 mM, 0.25 mM, 1 mM, 2 mM and 4 mM on Day 3 and 5. The cell morphology was observed with F-actin immunocytochemical staining. The flow cytometry was used to analyze the death pattern. NF-κB and Trx-1 were measured using ELISA kits.

RESULTS

The major death pattern was early apoptosis and late apoptosis. The morphological characteristics of apoptosis were observed clearly at 4 mM on Day 3 and Day 5. The phosphorylated NF-κB normalized to total NF-κB protein was significantly higher at 2 mM and 4 mM on Day 5. There was no difference of Trx-1 on Day 3, but significantly higher at 0.25 mM and 1 mM on Day 5. The trend line of phosphorylated NF-κB and Trx-1 showed highly positive correlations with HEMA concentration.

CONCLUSION

The significant cellular morphology characteristics of apoptosis can be observed at higher dose and longer period after exposed to uncured HEMA. The expression of NF-κB was following the ratio of late apoptosis at longer exposure period. Clinically, the remaining dentin thickness should be enough to decrease HEMA concentration and thus to protect pulp cells free from harm.

The Effect of Selected Dental Materials Used in Conservative Dentistry, Endodontics, Surgery, and Orthodontics as Well as during the Periodontal Treatment on the Redox Balance in the Oral Cavity

Oxidative stress (OS) is a redox homeostasis disorder that results in oxidation of cell components and thus disturbs cell metabolism. OS is induced by numerous internal as well as external factors. According to recent studies, dental treatment may also be one of them. The aim of our work was to assess the effect of dental treatment on the redox balance of the oral cavity. We reviewed literature available in PubMed, Medline, and Scopus databases, including the results from 2010 to 2020. Publications were searched according to the keywords: oxidative stress and dental monomers; oxidative stress and amalgam; oxidative stress and periodontitis, oxidative stress and braces, oxidative stress and titanium; oxidative stress and dental implants, oxidative stress and endodontics treatment, oxidative stress and dental treatment; and oxidative stress and dental composite. It was found that dental treatment with the use of composites, amalgams, glass-ionomers, materials for root canal filling/rinsing, orthodontic braces (made of various metal alloys), titanium implants, or whitening agents can disturb oral redox homeostasis by affecting the antioxidant barrier and increasing oxidative damage to salivary proteins, lipids, and DNA. Abnormal saliva secretion/composition was also observed in dental patients in the course of OS. It is suggested that the addition of antioxidants to dental materials or antioxidant therapy applied during dental treatment could protect the patient against harmful effects of OS in the oral cavity.

Camphorquinone alters the expression of extracellular proteases in a 3D co-culture model of the oral mucosa

OBJECTIVE

Objective of our investigation was to determine the influence of CQ on the expression of antioxidant proteins and extracellular proteases in a 3D co-culture model (3DCCM) of the oral mucosa and to analyze the distribution and stability of CQ within 3D-CCMs.

METHODS

3D-CCMs consist of confluent keratinocytes (OKF6/TERT2) on cell culture inserts on top of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) in collagen. The treatment was carried out by adding CQ to the cell culture inserts at two time points with declining concentrations. Mass spectrometry was used to analyze the CQ concentration above and underneath the OKF6/TERT2-layer. The expression of antioxidant genes was analyzed by qRT-PCR and western blot. The regulation of extracellular proteases from different families was analyzed by qRT-PCR and Proteome Profiler arrays.

RESULTS

GC/MS analysis showed that CQ was evenly distributed within the model. Heme oxygenase-1, NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1), and superoxide dismutase 1 were induced on the mRNA and protein level in OKF6/TERT2 cells. In HGFs, only the transcription of NQO1 was induced. The transcription of extracellular proteases was increased mainly in OKF6/TERT2 cells 72 h after the initial treatment. The quantity of ten out of 25 analyzed extracellular proteases in the cell culture supernatant above and six underneath the keratinocyte-layer were modulated by CQ.

SIGNIFICANCE

Despite its high reactivity, CQ is able to penetrate a dense keratinocyte-layer, presumably across plasma membranes. CQ initially induced the cellular defense machinery against oxidative stress and altered the expression of extracellular proteases. We assume a relationship between both processes.

Morpho-functional effects of different universal dental adhesives on human gingival fibroblasts: an in vitro study

To analyze the effects of four universal adhesives (Optibond Solo Plus—OB, Universal Bond—UB, Prime&Bond Active—PBA, FuturaBond M + —FB) on human gingival fibroblasts in terms of cytotoxicity, morphology and function. After in vitro exposure for up to 48 h, fibroblast viability was determined by the MTT assay determined, morphology by phase-contrast microscopy and migration by the scratch wound assay. Expression levels of IL1β, IL6, IL8, IL10, TNFα and VEGF genes were assessed by RT-PCR and their protein production by Western blot analysis. Apoptosis and cell cycle were analyzed by flow cytometry. OB and UB induced early morphological changes on fibroblasts (3 h) with extended cell death at 24 h/48 h. Gene expression of collagen type I and fibronectin increased fivefold compared with controls, elastin disappeared and elastase increased threefold, indicating gingival tissue tended to become fibrotic. Only UB and OB increased gene expression of inflammatory markers: IL1β at 3 and 48 h (up to about three times), IL6 and IL8 at 3 h (up to almost four times) which corresponded to the increase of the activated form NF-kB. All adhesives showed an effect on the functionality of fibroblasts with cytotoxic effect time and concentration dependent. Among all the OB and UB adhesives, they showed the greatest cell damage. The in-depth analysis of the effects of universal adhesives and possible functional effects represents an important information for the clinician towards choosing the most suitable adhesive system.

Effects of HEMA on Nrf2-related gene expression using a newly developed 3D co-culture model of the oral mucosa

OBJECTIVE

2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) is a component of many resin-modified materials and elutes from dental restorations into the oral cavity. Objective of our investigation was to determine the impact of HEMA on oral keratinocytes (OKF6/TERT2) and gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) in a newly established 3D co-culture model (3D-CCM) and to analyze the permeability of OKF6/TERT2 cells for HEMA.

METHODS

Well-characterized 3D-CCMs, consisting of confluent OKF6/TERT2 cells on cell culture inserts above HGF-containing collagen gels, were treated supra-epithelial with HEMA. Mass spectrometry was used to measure the supra- and sub-epithelial distribution of HEMA after 24 h. The impact of HEMA on nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) target genes was measured by qRT-PCR and western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Mass spectrometry showed that HEMA was evenly distributed above and below the keratinocyte layer after 24 h. Analyzed target genes of Nrf2 were induced in both cell types on the mRNA-level but less pronounced in HGFs. On the protein-level, both cell types showed similar effects: At 5 mM HEMA, heme oxygenase-1 was induced 5.1-fold in OKF6/TERT2 cells and 4.1-fold in HGFs. NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase-1 was approximately induced 1.85-fold in both cell types.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our 3D-CCM is suitable to analyze the biocompatibility of dental materials due to an improved simulation of the oral mucosa compared to monolayer cultures. Our results indicate that HEMA is able to penetrate a dense layer of keratinocytes and to activate the cellular oxidative defense response. This may be due to the activation of the Nrf2-pathway in both cell types.