ENDODONTIC CEMENTS INDUCE ALTERATIONS IN THE CELL-CYCLE OF IN-VITRO CULTURED OSTEOBLASTS

The effects of endodontic cements on the cell cycle of MG63 osteoblasts cultured in vitro have been examined. Three groups of compounds were tested. Group I encompassed zinc oxide- and eugenol-based cements (Tubliseal, Argoseal, N2), group II consisted of cements with a phenol group other than eugenol (AH26, Forfenan, Methode R/R), and group III included CaOH-based cements (Biocalex, Endocalex). The cell cycle of MG63 cells was analyzed by flow cytometry; the DNA content was evaluated by means of the propidium iodide uptake method, whereas the proportion of cells in the S phase was defined by the incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine later revealed by a specific antibody. The results showed that some root canal sealers could hamper the periapex healing processes by inhibiting the cell proliferation through a selective action on different phases of the cell cycle.