TNF-α-mediated inflammation and cytotoxicity of different root canal sealers and root-end fillings in cell line culture

Aim The aim was to detect the amount of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) released from Hela epithelial cells as a measure of the inflammatory and cytotoxicity impact of different root end filling and sealant materials on the apical periodontal tissues. Materials and methods Standardized discs of Amalgam (G1), composite (G2), flowable composite (G3), zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) sealer (G4), nano-ZOE sealer (G5), and resin-modified glass ionomer (G6) were incubated with Hela cells. The inflammatory and biological cytotoxicity of the nominated materials were evaluated in terms of the amount of TNF-α released from Hela cells and its effect on cellular morphology and viability in comparison to non-treated cells (control). Results Both composite root-end filling and nano-ZOE sealer showed non-significant difference in the amount of released TNF-α compared to that of the control (P > 0.05). Accordingly, these materials showed non-significant effect on Hela-cell viability and morphology. On the other hand the remaining materials demonstrated significant increase in the amount secreted TNF-α associated and hence significant cytotoxic effects in comparison to that of the control (P > 0.05) Conclusion Composite would be the recommended filling for root-end cavities and nano-ZOE is a promising biocompatible sealer material.