Alterations of energy metabolism and glutathione levels of HL-60 cells induced by methacrylates present in composite resins

Nocca, G.; De Palma, F.; Minucci, A.; De Sole, P.; Martorana, G.E.; Callà, C.; Morlacchi, C.; Gozzo, M.L.; Gambarini, G.; Chimenti, C.; Giardina, B.; Lupi, A.

doi:10.1016/j.jdent.2006.07.008

« Previous Next »Journal of Dentistry
Volume 35, Issue 3 , Pages 187-194, March 2007

Alterations of energy metabolism and glutathione levels of HL-60 cells induced by methacrylates present in composite resins

G. Nocca
- Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry Institute, School of Medicine, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +39 06 3057612; fax: +39 06 3053598.
F. De Palma
- Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry Institute, School of Medicine, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
A. Minucci
- Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry Institute, School of Medicine, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
P. De Sole
- Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry Institute, School of Medicine, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
G.E. Martorana
- Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry Institute, School of Medicine, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
C. Callà
- Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry Institute, School of Medicine, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
C. Morlacchi
- Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry Institute, School of Medicine, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
M.L. Gozzo
- Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry Institute, School of Medicine, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
G. Gambarini
- Department of Endodontics, School of Medicine, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
C. Chimenti
- Surgical Sciences Department, School of Medicine, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
B. Giardina
- Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry Institute, School of Medicine, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
- Molecular Recognition Chemistry Institute, CNR, Rome, Italy
A. Lupi
- Molecular Recognition Chemistry Institute, CNR, Rome, Italy

Received 23 December 2005; received in revised form 19 July 2006; accepted 25 July 2006.

Abstract

Objectives

Methacrylic compounds such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) and bisphenol A glycerolate (1 glycerol/phenol) dimethacrylate (Bis-GMA) are largely present in auto- or photopolymerizable composite resins. Since the polymerization reaction is never complete, these molecules are released into the oral cavity tissues and biological fluids where they could cause local adverse effects. The aim of this work was to verify the hypothesis that the biological effects of HEMA, TEGDMA and Bis-GMA – at a non-cytotoxic concentration – depend on the interaction with mitochondria and exert consequent alterations of energy metabolism, GSH levels and the related pathways in human promyelocytic cell line (HL-60).

Methods

The biological effects of methacrylic monomers were determined by analyzing the following parameters: GSH concentration, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and glutathione reductase (GR) activity, oxygen and glucose consumption and lactate production along with cell differentiation and proliferation.

Results

All monomers induced both cellular differentiation and decrease in oxygen consumption. Cells treated with TEGDMA and Bis-GMA showed a significant enhancement of glucose consumption and lactate production. TEGDMA and HEMA induced GSH depletion stimulating G6PDH and GR activity.

Conclusions

All the monomers under study affect the metabolism of HL-60 cells and show differentiating activity. Since alterations in cellular metabolism occurred at compound concentrations well below cytotoxic levels, the changes in energy metabolism and glutathione redox balance could be considered as potential mechanisms for inducing clinical and sub-clinical adverse effects and thus providing useful parameters when testing biocompatibility of dental materials.

Keywords: Methyl methacrylates, Dental materials, Cell viability, Glucose metabolism, Glutathione