Investigating Endodontic Sealers Eugenol and Hydrocortisone Roles in Modulating the Initial Steps of Inflammation

Objectives: Endodontic treatment success is achieved not only when the cement provides a hermetic seal but also when the injured periapical tissue is regenerated. However, an exaggerated inflammatory reaction hinders tissue regeneration and it has been shown that dental materials affect the inflammatory response through modulation of cytokine secretion. This work was set to investigate a hydrocortisone-containing sealer (Endomethasone N) modulatory effects on the initial steps of inflammation in vitro.
Methods: Hydrocortisone and eugenol leaching from Endomethasone N and Pulp Canal Sealer (PCS) were quantified by ELISA and spectrofluorometry respectively. The effects of Endomethasone N and Pulp Canal Sealer were studied on Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-stimulated human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells. Cytokine (IL-6, TNF-a) secretion from cells was quantified by ELISA. Inflammatory cell (THP-1) adhesion to activated endothelial cells, their migration and activation were studied in vitro.
Results: Endomethasone N decreased secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α from hPDL cells. THP-1 adhesion to activated endothelial cells (HUVECs) and migration significantly decreased with Endomethasone N while no effect was observed with PCS. Activation of THP-1 decreased with both materials’ extracts but was significantly lower with Endomethasone N than with PCS.
Conclusions: These results performed in vitro show that Endomethasone N anti-inflammatory effects are due to the presence of hydrocortisone.