Abstract This study evaluated the bioactive potential of a macro-porous chitosan scaffold incorporated with calcium hydroxide (CH-Ca) and functionalized with bioactive doses of simvastatin (SV) for bone tissue regeneration. Initially, the bioactive dose of SV in osteoblastic cells (SAOS-2) was determined. For the direct contact experiment, SAOS-2 cells were plated on scaffolds to assess cell viability and osteogenic differentiation. The second assay was performed at a distance using extracts from scaffolds incubated in culture medium to assess the effect of conditioned medium on viability and osteogenic differentiation. The initial screening showed that 1 μM SV presented the best biostimulating effects, and this dose was selected for incorporation into the CH-Ca and pure chitosan (CH) scaffolds. The cells remained viable throughout the direct contact experiment, with the greatest cell density in the CH-Ca and CH-Ca-SV scaffolds because of their higher porosity. The CH-Ca-SV scaffold showed the most intense bio-stimulating effect in assays in the presence and absence of osteogenic medium, leading to an increased deposition of mineralized matrix. There was an increase in the viability of cells exposed to the extracts for CH-Ca, CH-SV, and CH-Ca-SV during the one-day period. There was an increase in ALP activity in the CH-Ca and CH-Ca-SV; however, the CH-Ca-SV scaffold resulted in an intense increase in the deposition of mineralized nodules, approximately 56.4% at 7 days and 117% at 14 days, compared with CH (control). In conclusion, functionalization of the CH-Ca scaffold with SV promoted an increase in bioactivity, presenting a promising option for bone tissue regeneration.

RESUMO O miofibrossarcoma em cavalos é um raro tumor maligno, composto predominantemente por miofibroblastos. Um equino, de 15 anos de idade, foi encaminhado ao Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal do Paraná, para avaliação de sinais de cólica. O exame clínico inicial apresentou mucosas ictéricas e, nos exames laboratoriais, revelou anemia e aumento sérico de ALT, GGT, ALP e bilirrubina. Na laparotomia exploratória, observou-se massa abdominal vascularizada de aproximadamente 50cm x 45cm x 30cm na região do hipocôndrio esquerdo e aderida às estruturas circunvizinhas. Devido ao tamanho e às aderências ao omento, a massa foi considerada irressecável cirurgicamente, portanto foi realizada a eutanásia e a necropsia. Os resultados imuno-histoquímicos e morfológicos indicam o diagnóstico de miofibrossarcoma, visto que as células neoplásicas imunoexpressaram Vimentin, HHF35 e S100. Portanto, esse é o primeiro caso em equinos de miofibrossarcoma omental descrito na literatura.

ABSTRACT Myofibrosarcoma in horses is a rare malignant tumor composed predominantly by myofibroblasts. A 15-year-old horse was referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Parana for evaluation of colic signs. Initial physical examination showed icteric mucous membrane and laboratory analysis found anemia, increased serum activity of ALT, GGT, ALP, and bilirubin. In the exploratory laparotomy a highly vascularized abdominal mass in the left hypochondrium region of approximately 50cm x 45cm x 30cm, adhered to the surrounding structures was observed. Due to the size and adhesions to the omentum, the mass was considered surgically unresectable, and euthanasia was performed followed by necropsy. The immunohistochemical and morphological results indicate the diagnosis of myofibrosarcoma since the neoplastic cells immunoexpressed Vimentin, HHF35 and S100. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first equine case of omental myofibrosarcoma described in the literature.

Abstract The current study evaluated the effects of taxifolin treatments on the viability of osteoblast-like cells, and on the expression of early mineralization markers, as part of the ongoing search for new endodontic materials able to induce periapical healing without causing cytotoxicity. Saos-2 osteoblast-like cells were exposed to different concentrations of taxifolin (5 and 10 µM), applied as pretreatments either for 24h and 72h, or continuously throughout the experimental protocol. Cell viability using the methylthiazole tetrazolium (MTT) assay, alkaline phosphatase activity using thymolphthalein monophosphate assays, deposition of mineralized nodules using alizarin red staining, and expression of ALP and COL-1 by qPCR were determined after 6 and 13 days of treatment. The data were analyzed statistically (p<0.05). Taxifolin was not cytotoxic in the concentrations tested. Pretreatments with taxifolin for 24h and 72h at 10 µM stimulated ALP activity, and increased mineralized nodule deposition by Saos-2 cells. Continuous treatment with taxifolin was not effective in stimulating ALP activity and mineralization. ALP and COL-1 gene expression increased with taxifolin pretreatments, since the highest mRNA levels were observed after 72h of pretreatment with taxifolin at 10 µM on day 13. In conclusion, taxifolin was cytocompatible, and induced mineralization markers when applied for short periods in osteoblast-like cell culture.

Resumo Entre outros fatores, os tipos de bisfosfonatos bem como os regimes de tratamento parecem estar diretamente associados com o sucesso ou falhas na instalação de implantes osseointegrados. Este estudo avaliou a influência de dois bisfosfonatos, o alendronato de sódio (AS) e o ácido zoledrônico (AZ), no metabolismo de osteoblastos. Osteoblastos humanos (Saos-2) foram cultivados sobre discos de titânio polidos ou submetidos a tratamento ácido superficial, previamente alocados em placas de 24 compartimentos, utilizando meio de cultura completo. Após 24 horas, as células foram expostas aos bisfosfonatos, nas concentrações de 0,5, 1 ou 5 µM, por 24 h, 48 h, ou 7 dias. Os efeitos do AZ e AZ sobre os osteoblastos foram determinados considerando a adesão destas células às superfícies de titânio, por meio de fluorescência direta, a viabilidade celular, produção de proteína total e síntese de colágeno. A atividade de fosfatase alcalina e a deposição de nódulos mineralizados também foram avaliadas. Os dados foram analisados por meio do teste ANOVA complementado por Tukey (α = 0.05). Menor adesão dos osteoblastos foi observada quando estas células foram expostas a ambos os bisfosfonatos, porém, esta falha na adesão foi mais evidente para as células tratadas com AZ. Além disso, a exposição dos osteoblastos ao AZ também resultou em diminuição da viabilidade, atividade de ALP e deposição de nódulos mineralizados, o que pode estar relacionado a uma pobre osseointegração após a instalação do implante.

Abstract Among other factors, types of bisphosphonates and treatment regimens seem to be strongly associated with the success or failure of installation of osseointegrated implants. This study investigated the influence of two bisphosphonates, sodium alendronate (SA) and zoledronic acid (ZA), on the metabolism of osteoblasts. Human osteoblasts (Saos-2) were seeded onto machined or acid-treated titanium discs previously placed on 24-well plates in complete culture medium. After 24 h, cells were exposed to bisphosphonates at 0.5, 1 or 5 µM for 24 h, 48 h or 7 days. The effects of SA and ZA on osteoblasts were assessed based on the adhesion of these cells to the titanium surfaces by direct fluorescence, cell viability, total protein and collagen synthesis. Alkaline phosphatase activity and mineral nodule deposition by these cells were also evaluated. Data were evaluated by ANOVA and Tukey tests (α=0.05). Decreased adhesion of cells to the titanium discs was observed when exposed to both bisphosphonates; however, this lack of cell adhesion was more evident for ZA-treated cells. In addition, the exposure of osteoblasts to ZA decreased the viability, ALP activity and mineral nodule deposition, which may be related to poor osseointegration after implant installation.

Abstract Objective The present study aimed to investigate the participation of focal adhesion kinases (FAK) in interactions between osteoblastic cells and titanium (Ti) surfaces with three different topographies, namely, untreated (US), microstructured (MS), and nanostructured (NS). Methodology Osteoblasts harvested from the calvarial bones of 3-day-old rats were cultured on US, MS and NS discs in the presence of PF-573228 (FAK inhibitor) to evaluate osteoblastic differentiation. After 24 h, we evaluated osteoblast morphology and vinculin expression, and on day 10, the following parameters: gene expression of osteoblastic markers and integrin signaling components, FAK protein expression and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. A smooth surface, porosities at the microscale level, and nanocavities were observed in US, MS, and NS, respectively. Results FAK inhibition decreased the number of filopodia in cells grown on US and MS compared with that in NS. FAK inhibition decreased the gene expression of Alp, bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin, and ALP activity in cells grown on all evaluated surfaces. FAK inhibition did not affect the gene expression of Fak, integrin alpha 1 ( Itga1 ) and integrin beta 1 ( Itgb1 ) in cells grown on MS, increased the gene expression of Fak in cells grown on NS, and increased the gene expression of Itga1 and Itgb1 in cells grown on US and NS. Moreover, FAK protein expression decreased in cells cultured on US but increased in cells cultured on MS and NS after FAK inhibition; no difference in the expression of vinculin was observed among cells grown on all surfaces. Conclusions Our data demonstrate the relevance of FAK in the interactions between osteoblastic cells and Ti surfaces regardless of surface topography. Nanotopography positively regulated FAK expression and integrin signaling pathway components during osteoblast differentiation. In this context, the development of Ti surfaces with the ability to upregulate FAK activity could positively impact the process of implant osseointegration.

RESUMO Amostras de sangue de 50 bezerros de búfalo Murrah foram examinados nesse estudo. Os animais foram distribuídos em três grupos de acordo com a paridade de suas genitoras: G1 (n=15) bezerros de búfalas primíparas, G2 (n=19) bezerros de búfalas com 2 a 4 gestações, e G3 (n=16) bezerros de búfalas com cinco ou mais gestações. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas ao nascimento, antes da ingestão de colostro e 24h, 48h, e 72h após o nascimento e 7, 14, 21 e 30 dias após nascimento para determinar níveis de gammaglutamil transferase (GGT), fosfatase alcalina (ALP), aspartato aminotrasferase (AST), creatina quinase, proteínas totais, albumina, globulina (inclusive imunoglobulina G), ferro, cálcio total, cálcio ionizado, fósforo, sódio e potássio. A idade dos bezerros influenciou todos os parâmetros bioquímicos, exceto cálcio ionizado e potássio nos bezerros dos grupos G1 e G3. A ordem de nascimento influenciou AST, GGT, proteínas totais, albumina e globulinas, inclusive IgG. Intensa atividade ALP no soro nos primeiros dois dias após nascimento indica que medidas dos níveis dessa enzima podem ser utilizados como método indireto de avaliar transferência passiva de imunidade.

ABSTRACT Serum blood samples from 50 Murrah buffalo calves were examined in this study. The animals were allocated into three groups according to the number of parturitions of their mothers: G1 (n= 15) calves from primiparous buffaloes, G2 (n= 19) calves from buffaloes with two to four parturitions, and G3 (n= 16) calves from buffaloes with five or more parturitions. Blood samples were taken at birth, before colostrum ingestion, at 24h, 48h, and 72h after birth, and at 7, 14, 21, and 30 days after birth for determination of levels of gammaglutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase, total protein, albumin, globulins (including immunoglobulin G), iron, total calcium, ionized calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium. The age of the calves was found to influence all of the biochemical parameters, with the exception of ionized calcium and potassium in the calves in groups G1 and G3. The calving order was found to influence AST, GGT, total protein, albumin, and globulins, including IgG. The high serum ALP activity in the first two days after birth indicates that measurement of the levels of this enzyme may be used as an indirect method of assessing passive immunity transfer.

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) on the endodontic treatment of apical periodontitis (AP). AP was induced in 48 premolars of 6 dogs. After biomechanical preparation, the teeth were divided into 4 groups: Calcium-Hydroxide (CH)/120d and CH/180d: root canals filled with CH-based dressing for 15 days before obturation; aPDT/120d and aPDT/180d: conditioning with phenothiazine photosensitizer (10 mg/mL) for 1 minute and irradiation with diode laser in the same session as obturation. Root filling was performed with AH Plus sealer. After the experimental periods, animals were euthanized and teeth were submitted for histology. HE staining was performed for descriptive analysis of the periapical region, measurement of apical periodontitis and for inflammatory cells, and blood vessels count. Immunohistochemistry was performed for osteopontin (OPN) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Data were analyzed statistically by two-way ANOVA and chi-square test (α = 5%). Teeth in Group CH/120d presented only a slightly enlarged periodontal ligament (PL) with advanced repair. Group aPDT/120d presented the PL moderately enlarged, with moderate inflammatory infiltrate and few collagen fibers. The same pattern was observed at 180 days. AP lesions in CH-treated groups were smaller than those in aPDT-treated groups (p < 0.001) with more blood vessels (p < 0.0001), regardless of the evaluation period, without significant differences in the number of inflammatory cells (p > 0.05). CH-treated groups showed significantly more intense immunostaining for ALP and OPN (p < 0.001) in both periods. Although aPDT stimulated angiogenesis and expression of bone formation markers, the two-session endodontic treatment with CH-based dressing promoted better apical periodontitis repair.

Abstract Bone morphogenetic protein type 2 (BMP-2) and retinoic acid (RA) are osteoinductive factors that stimulate endogenous mechanisms of bone repair which can be applied on management of osseous defects in oral and maxillofacial fields. Objective Considering the different results of RA on osteogenesis and its possible use to substitute/potency BMP-2 effects, this study evaluated the outcomes of BMP-2, RA, and BMP-2+RA treatments on in vitro osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) and the signaling pathway(s) involved. Material and Methods ASCs were treated every other day with basic osteogenic medium (OM) alone or supplemented with BMP-2, RA, or BMP-2+RA. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was determined using the r-nitrophenol method. Extracellular matrix mineralization was evaluated using von Kossa staining and calcium quantification. Expression of osteonectin and osteocalcin mRNA were determined using qPCR. Smad1, Smad4, phosphorylated Smad1/5/8, BMP-4, and BMP-7 proteins expressions were analyzed using western blotting. Signaling pathway was evaluated using the IPA® software. Results RA promoted the highest ALP activity at days 7, 14, 21, and 28, in comparison to BMP-2 and BMP-2+RA. BMP-2+RA best stimulated phosphorylated Smad1/5/8 protein expression at day 7 and Smad4 expression at days 7, 14, 21, and 28. Osteocalcin and osteonectin mRNA expressions were best stimulated by BMP-2+RA at day 7. Matrix mineralization was most improved by BMP-2+RA at days 12 and 32. Additionally, BMP-2+RA promoted the highest BMP signaling pathway activation at days 7 and 14, and demonstrated more activation of differentiation of bone-forming cells than OM alone. Conclusions In summary, RA increased the effect of BMP-2 on osteogenic differentiation of human ASCs.

Abstract Recent studies on functional tissue regeneration have focused on substances that favor cell proliferation and differentiation, including the bioactive phenolic compounds present in grape seed extract (GSE). The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the stimulatory potential of GSE in the functional activity of undifferentiated pulp cells and odontoblast-like cells. OD-21 and MDPC-23 cell lines were cultivated in odontogenic medium until subconfluence, seeded in 24-well culture plates in a concentration of 2x104/well and divided into: 1) OD-21 without GSE; 2) OD-21+10 µg/mL of GSE; 3) MDPC-23 without GSE; 4) MDPC-23+10 µg/mL of GSE. Cell proliferation, in situ detection of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total protein content were assessed after 3, 7 and 10 days, and mineralization was evaluated after 14 days. The data were analyzed by ANOVA statistical tests set at a 5% level of significance. Results revealed that cell proliferation increased after 10 days, and protein content, after 7 days of culture in MDPC-23 cells. In situ ALP staining intensity was higher in undifferentiated pulp cells and odontoblast-like cells after 7 and 10 days, respectively. A discrete increase in MDPC-23 mineralization after GSE treatment was observed despite OD-21 cells presenting a decrease in mineralized nodule deposits. Data suggest that GSE favors functional activity of differentiated cells more broadly than undifferentiated cells (OD-21). More studies with different concentrations of GSE must be conducted to confirm its benefits to cells regarding dentin regeneration.

Abstract INTRODUCTION Portal hypertension and periportal fibrosis commonly occur in severe Schistosoma mansoni infection. Changes in lipid profile and elevated levels of circulating liver enzymes have also been described in infected individuals. The present study sought to assess the alterations in laboratory parameters associated with liver disorder in individuals infected by S. mansoni who visited a private routine laboratory service. Levels of circulating liver enzymes (gamma-glutamyl transferase [γ-GT], aspartate transaminase [AST], alanine transaminase [ALT], and alkaline phosphatase [ALP]) and a lipid panel (total cholesterol [COL], high-density lipoprotein [HDL], low-density lipoprotein [LDL], very low-density lipoprotein [VLDL], and triglycerides [TRI]) were evaluated in both infected and non-infected individuals and relative risk was used to measure associations. METHODS Data were collected for analysis from a total of 1,078 cases identified in 379,600 individuals who submitted samples to the Datalab Laboratory (Salvador, Bahia) between 2004 and 2008. RESULTS S. mansoni infection led to increased circulating levels of γ-GT in both women and men, AST (women), and ALP (men). S. mansoni infection was a protective factor against increased levels of TRI, CHO, and VLDL for individuals aged 19 years or older. The results of our analysis indicate that alterations in lipid metabolism and circulating liver enzymes in asymptomatic S. mansoni-infected individuals might be attributed to eggs lodged in the hepatic sinusoids. CONCLUSIONS Parasitological testing for S. mansoni should be indicated in endemic areas when this pattern of alterations is detected.

This in vitro and in vivo study compared different topographies of Ti samples (dense, porosity of 30% and 40%) with or not CaP coating, prepared by powder metallurgy. Osteogenic cells from newborn rat calvaria were plated onto the samples and cell adhesion (24 hours), alkaline phosphatase activity (7 and 10 days) and mineralization nodules (14 days) were assessed. Sixteen rabbits were used for in vivo study. Each animal received three non-treated and three treated implants in the right or left tibia, respectively. Histometric evaluation of bone-implant contact (BIC) were assessed at 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks. Metallographic analysis revealed porosities of 30% and 40%, with pore size ranging from 250 to 350 µm. Cell adhesion test and ALP revealed similar cell behavior, independently of topography and CaP coating (P > 0.05%). However, CaP coating combined with porosity of 40% influenced positively the mineralized matrix formation (P < 0.05%). CaP-coated implants showed higher BIC than non-CaP implants and BIC was different between the short (1 and 2 weeks) and long (4 and 8 weeks) healing periods (P < 0.05%). The results suggest that CaP coating combined with 40% porosity implants allowed greater osteogenesis in vitro and increased BIC in vivo.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a influência do modelo de cultura celular tridimensional e das partículas de vidro bioativo (BG) sobre a expressão fenotípica de culturas de células osteogênicas da calvária de ratos. As células foram mantidas em culturas sobre superfícies colágenas bi-dimensionais (2D) e em géis de colágeno tridimensional (3D) com e sem partículas de BG até 14 dias. Foram avaliadas: viabilidade celular, atividade de fosfatase alcalina (ALP), morfologia celular e imunomarcação de proteínas da matriz não-colágena do osso através de epifluorescência e microscopia confocal. As expressões de marcadores osteogênicos foram analisadas utilizando RT-PCR. A formação de nódulos mineralizados foi visualizada através de microscopia e o conteúdo de cálcio foi avaliado quantitativamente pelo Alizarina Red. As culturas experimentais produziram uma taxa crescente de viabilidade até 14 dias. Embora a atividade ALP em 7 dias tenha sido maior em culturas com BG, as células em 3D e 3D+BG apresentaram uma diminuição da atividade ALP aos 14 dias. As condições tridimensionais favoreceram a imunomarcação para OPN e BSP e a expressão de mRNAs para ALP e COL I. As partículas de BG influenciaram positivamente a expressão do mRNAs para OPN e OC e a formação de nódulos calcificados in vitro. Os resultados indicaram que as culturas em 3D e partículas BG contribuíram para a expressão do fenótipo osteoblástico e para a diferenciação e formação de matriz mineralizada.

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the influence of a three-dimensional cell culture model and bioactive glass (BG) particles on the expression of osteoblastic phenotypes in rat calvaria osteogenic cells culture. Cells were seeded on two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) collagen with BG particles for up to 14 days. Cell viability and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was performed. Cell morphology and immunolabeling of noncollagenous bone matrix proteins were assessed by epifluorescence and confocal microscopy. The expressions of osteogenic markers were analyzed using RT-PCR. Mineralized bone-like nodule formation was visualized by microscopy and calcium content was assessed quantitatively by alizarin red assay. Experimental cultures produced a growing cell viability rate up to 14 days. Although ALP activity at 7 days was higher on BG cultures, cells on 3D and 3D+BG had an activity decrease of ALP at 14 days. Three-dimensional conditions favored the immunolabeling for OPN and BSP and the expression of ALP and COL I mRNAs. BG particles influenced positively the OC and OPN mRNAs expression and calcified nodule formation in vitro. The results indicated that the 3D cultures and BG particles contribute to the expression of osteoblastic phenotype and to differentiated and mineralized matrix formation.

Resumo Platinossomiase é uma doença hepática felina comum causada por Platynosomum fastosum (Trematoda - Dicrocoelidae), também é conhecida como “envenenamento por lagartixa”. A maioria dos relatos de platinossomiase felina mostra que esta doença é esporádica e se manifesta com lesões incomuns; sua patogenicidade ainda não é bem compreendida. Este estudo objetivou descrever as lesões no fígado e alterações enzimáticas associadas à infecção natural por P. fastosum em 47 gatos errantes em uma área endêmica. No total, 38,3% (18/47) dos gatos estavam parasitados, e 2.358 trematódeos (P. fastosum) foram coletados (131 – intensidade média de parasitismo; 50,2 – abundância média). A quantidade de alanina transaminase (ALT) foi significativamente maior nos animais parasitados, enquanto a fosfatase alcalina (ALP) não apresentou diferença estatística entre os animais parasitados e não parasitados. Nos animais infectados, lesões patológicas macroscópicas e microscópicas hepáticas variaram de leve a grave, e foram semelhantes a descrições anteriores de platinossomiase felina. No entanto, a intensidade do parasitismo não foi relacionada à gravidade das lesões hepáticas macroscópicas ou microscópicas. Contudo, a platinossomiase felina deve ser considerada no diagnóstico diferencial de distúrbios hepáticos em felinos, assim como, em qualquer programa de controle de helmintos, mesmo que nenhuma anormalidade clínica esteja presente.

Abstract Platynosomiasis is a common feline hepatic disease caused by Platynosomum fastosum (Trematoda - Dicrocoelidae), which is also known as ‘lizard poisoning’. Most reports of feline platynosomiasis show that this disease is sporadic and manifests with uncommon lesions; its pathogenicity is still not well understood. This study aimed to describe liver injuries and enzymatic changes associated with natural P. fastosum infection in 47 stray cats in an endemic area. Overall, 38.3% (18/47) of cats were parasitized, and 2,358 flukes (P. fastosum) were collected (131 – mean intensity of parasitism; 50.2 – mean abundance). The alanine transaminase (ALT) measure was significantly higher in parasitized animals, while alkaline phosphatase (ALP) showed no statistical difference between parasitized and non-parasitized animals. In infected animals, gross pathological lesions and microscopic liver injuries ranged from mild to severe, and were similar to those in previous descriptions of feline platynosomiasis. Nonetheless, the intensity of parasitism was not related to the severity of macroscopic or microscopic hepatic injuries. However, feline platynosomiasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of feline liver disorders, as well as, in any program of helminth control, even if no clinical abnormalities are present.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou a citotoxicidade de um cimento de aluminato de cálcio (EndoBinder) contendo diferentes radiopacificadores, Bi2O3, ZnO ou ZrO2, comparativamente ao trióxido mineral agregado (MTA). Seguindo a norma ISO 10993-12:2012 (E), 0,2 g de cada cimento foi aplicada em insertos transwell, que foram colocados em placas de cultura de 24 wells contendo 1 mL de meio de cultura (DMEM). Após 24 h de incubação, os extratos (DMEM contendo componentes liberados dos cimentos) foram aplicados sobre células pulpares imortalizadas MDPC-23. Viabilidade celular (teste de MTT), atividade da fosfatase alcalina (ALP), produção de proteína total e a morfologia das células (Microscópio Eletrônico de Varredura - MEV) foram avaliadas. Um volume de 50 µL do extrato foi utilizado para determinar, através de Espectroscopia de Energia Dispersiva (EDS), os elementos químicos liberados pelos cimentos. Os seguintes grupos foram estabelecidos (n=6): NC - controle negativo (sem tratamento); EB - EndoBinder sem radiopacificador; EBBO - EndoBinder+Bi2O3; EBZnO - EndoBinder+ZnO; EBZrO - EndoBinder+ZrO2 e WMTA - MTA branco. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística (teste de Kruskal-Wallis, nível de significância=5%). Células expostas às diferentes versões de EndoBinder apresentaram pequena redução na viabilidade, produção de proteína total e atividade da ALP, com valores semelhantes aos grupos NC e WMTA (p>0,05). Diversos elementos (C, O, Na, Al, P, Si, Cl, Bi, K) liberados pelos cimentos foram detectados nos extratos. Entretanto, as células não apresentaram alterações significativas em sua morfologia. EndoBinder e MTA, não afetaram negativamente o metabolismo das células odontoblastóides, mostrando-se citocompatíveis, independente do radiopacificador utilizado.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of a calcium aluminate cement (EndoBinder) containing different radiopacifiers, Bi2O3, ZnO or ZrO2, compared with Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA). According to ISO 10993-12:2012 (E) recommendations, 0.2 g of each cement were applied in transwell inserts and placed in 24-well culture plates containing 1 mL of culture medium (DMEM). After 24 h of incubation, the extracts (DMEM containing components released from the cements) were applied to immortalized odontoblast-like MDPC-23 cells. Cell viability (MTT test), alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), total protein production and cell morphology (Scanning Electron Microscopy - SEM) were evaluated. The volume of 50 µL of extract was used to determine the chemical elements released by the cements using Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). The following groups were established (n=6): NC - negative control (without treatment); EB - EndoBinder without radiopacifier; EBBO - EndoBinder+Bi2O3; EBZnO - EndoBinder+ZnO; EBZrO - EndoBinder+ZrO2 and WMTA - White MTA. Data were subjected to statistical analysis (Kruskal-Wallis test, level of significance=5%). Cells exposed to the different versions of EndoBinder presented small reduction in viability, total protein production and ALP activity, with values similar to the NC and WMTA groups (p>0.05). Different elements (C, O, Na, Al, P, Si, Cl, Bi, K) released by the cements were detected in the extracts. However, the cells had no significant changes in their morphology. EndoBinder and MTA did not affect negatively the metabolism of the odontoblastic-like cells, showing it to be cytocompatible, irrespective of the used radiopacifier.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioactivity and cytocompatibility of simvastatin (SV) applied to MDPC-23 odontoblast-like cells. For this purpose, MDPC-23 cells were seeded in 96-well plates and submitted to treatments with 0.01 or 0.1 μM of SV for 24 h, 72 h or continuously throughout the experimental protocol. The negative control group (NC) was maintained in DMEM. Cell viability (MTT), ALP activity (thymolphthalein monophosphate), and mineralized matrix deposition (alizarin red) were analyzed at several time points. The data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). Although cell viability was observed in the groups treated with SV, these groups did not differ from the NC up to 7 days. There was a reduction in cell viability for the groups treated with 0.1 μM of SV for 72 h, and submitted to continuous mode after 14 days. A significant increase in ALP activity occurred in the group treated with 0.01 μM of SV for 24 h, compared with the NC; however, only the group treated with 0.1 μM of SV in continuous mode reduced the ALP activity, in comparison with the NC. After 14 days, only continuous treatment with 0.1 μM of SV did not differ from NC, whereas the other experimental groups showed increased mineralized matrix deposition. Thus, it was concluded that low concentrations of simvastatin were bioactive and cytocompatible when applied for short periods to cultured MDPC-23 odontoblast-like cells.