Systemic bone marker expression induced by grey and white mineral trioxide aggregate in normal and diabetic conditions

Bioactive potential of Bio-C Temp demonstrated by systemic mineralization markers and immunoexpression of bone proteins in the rat connective tissue

Intracanal medications are used in endodontic treatment due to their antibacterial activity and ability to induce the periapical repair. Among the intracanal medications, the Calen (CAL; SS. White, Brazil) is a calcium hydroxide-based medication that provides an alkaline pH and releases calcium, exerting an antimicrobial activity. Bio-C Temp (BIO; Angelus, Brazil), a ready-to-use bioceramic intracanal medication, was designed to stimulate the mineralized tissues formation. Here, we investigated the bioactive potential of BIO in comparison to the CAL in the rat subcutaneous. Polyethylene tubes filled with medications, and empty tubes (control group, CG) were implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of rats. After 7, 15, 30 and 60 days, the blood was collected for calcium (Ca+2) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) measurement, and the capsules around the implants were processed for morphological analyses. The data were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey test (p < 0.05). At 7, 15 and 30 days, the ALP level was grater in BIO and CAL than in CG (p < 0.0001). At 7 and 15 days, greater Ca+2 level was seen in the serum of CAL samples. From 7 to 60 days, an increase in the number of fibroblasts, osteocalcin- and osteopontin-immunolabelled cells was observed in BIO and CAL groups (p < 0.0001). In all periods, BIO and CAL specimens showed von Kossa-positive structures. Moreover, ultrastructural analysis revealed globules of mineralization in the capsules around the BIO and CAL specimens. Thus Bio-C Temp caused an increase in the ALP, osteocalcin and osteopontin, which may have allowed the formation of calcite, suggesting bioactive potential.

Tracing the toxic ions of an endodontic tricalcium silicate-based sealer in local tissues and body organs

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to track the toxic ions released by MTA Fillapex, BioRoot RCS, and an experimental tricalcium silicate-based sealer (CEO) into local and distant tissues as well as to investigate their potential adverse effects. In addition, the chemical constituents of the sealers were also evaluated. The main components of the dry powders, pastes, and mixed sealers were characterized.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Dry powder and sealer discs were each set for 72 h and their main components were characterized by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Polyethylene tubes filled with sealers were used to measure silicon and calcium ions. Polyethylene tubes filled with sealers or empty tubes were implanted into the dorsal connective tissue of Wistar rats. On days 7, 15, 30, and 45, the animals were euthanized and their brains, livers, kidneys, and subcutaneous tissues were removed and processed to determine the concentrations of chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, iron, magnesium and nickel using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer.

RESULTS

The main compounds in all sealers were carbon, oxygen, silicon, and calcium. MTA Fillapex release more Si while highest levels of Si were found in presence of BioRoot. The release of Si and Ca ions promoted by MTA Fillapex raise by time. No traces of cobalt, chromium, or magnesium were detected in any tissue. Irrespective of the sealer, no traces of copper and lead were found in the subcutaneous tissue; however, they were observed in the organs. The highest concentration of iron was identified in the liver. All sealers exhibited similar nickel traces in the brain, kidney, and liver except for MTA Fillapex, which demonstrated levels higher than CEO in the subcutaneous tissue on day 7. Tracing nickel ions over time revealed that lowest concentrations were found in subcutaneous tissue.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our data demonstrate that CEOs have chemical compositions similar to those of other commercial sealers. Furthermore, none of them exhibited a threat to systemic health. Moreover, the minimal amounts of iron and nickel detected were not related to the sealers.

Evolution of endodontic medicine: a critical narrative review of the interrelationship between endodontics and systemic pathological conditions

Endodontics has gained emphasis in the scientific community in recent years due to the increase in clinical and in animal models studies focused on endodontic medicine, which aims to evaluate the interrelationship between systemic and periapical tissues pathological conditions. These studies have shown that systemic changes can boost the pathogenesis of endodontic infection, favoring its development and progression. A contrary relationship is reported in numerous studies that affirm the potential of endodontic infection to trigger systemic damage and may lead to the worsening of pre-existing pathologies. Recently, the potential of filling materials to develop systemic changes such as neurological alterations had been evaluated, also showing that systemic diseases can negatively influence tissue responses to filling materials after endodontic treatment. Despite advances in endodontic medicine studies, there are still gaps in knowledge on the mechanisms of interactions between apical periodontitis (AP) and systemic diseases and much research to be done. In this sense, this critical narrative literature review aimed to show the evolution of studies in endodontic medicine to help the endodontist to know the role of systemic diseases in the pathogenesis of AP and the possible interference in the repair of periapical tissues after endodontic treatment, as well as to evidence the systemic complications that can be triggered or aggravated in the presence of endodontic infection.

Biocompatibility Study of a New Dental Cement Based on Hydroxyapatite and Calcium Silicates: Focus on Liver, Kidney, and Spleen Tissue Effects

The effects of a new material based on hydroxyapatite and calcium silicates, named ALBO-MPCA, were investigated on the liver, kidney and spleen. The material was administrated orally for 120 days in an in vivo model in Wistar rats, and untreated animals served as a control. Hematological and biochemical blood parameters were analyzed. Qualitative histological analysis of tissues, change in mitotic activity of cells, and histological characteristics was conducted, as well as quantitative stereological analysis of parenchymal cells, blood sinusoids, and connective tissues. Additionally, the protein expressions of Ki67 and CD68 markers were evaluated. Histological analysis revealed no pathological changes after the tested period. It showed the preservation of the architecture of blood sinusoids and epithelial cells and the presence of mitosis. Additionally, the significantly increased number of the Ki67 in the presence of ALBO-MPCA confirmed the proliferative effect of the material noticed by stereological analysis, while immunoreactive CD68 positive cells did not differ between groups. The study showed non-toxicity of the tested material based on the effects on the hematological, biochemical, and observed histological parameters; in addition, it showed evidence of its biocompatibility. These results could be the basis for further steps toward the application of tested materials in endodontics.

In vivo Biocompatibility and Bioactivity of Calcium Silicate-Based Bioceramics in Endodontics

Endodontic therapy aims to preserve or repair the activity and function of pulp and periapical tissues. Due to their excellent biological features, a substantial number of calcium silicate-based bioceramics have been introduced into endodontics and simultaneously increased the success rate of endodontic treatment. The present manuscript describes the in vivo biocompatibility and bioactivity of four types of calcium silicate-based bioceramics in endodontics.