Fluoride release from glass ionomer cements correlates with the necrotic death of human dental pulp stem cells

Abstract

Glass ionomer cements (GICs) are commonly used as restorative materials. The effect of GICs on different cell types varies. Stem cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous teeth, SHED are a source for dental tissue regeneration. The necrosis and inflammation that eventually follows necrosis can disturb this regenerative process. We tested seven GICs including Fuji I, Fuji II, Fuji VIII, Fuji IX, Fuji plus, Fuji triage and Vitrebond for their necrotic induction potential in human SHEDs. We also correlated these effects with eluate fluoride release. The toxicity of GICs was tested via a lactate dehydrogenase assay and flow cytometric analysis of propidium iodide and Annexin V stained cells. The concentration of fluoride was measured by HPLC. The Fuji I and Fuji II GICs had a significantly lower cytotoxic eff ect on SHEDs compared to other tested GICs, as evaluated by the LDH assay. The results obtained from the flow cytometric analyses were similar. The Fuji I and Fuji II eluates released the lowest concentrations of fluoride and induced the lowest percentages of SHED death. Fluoride release correlated with GIC cytotoxicity.