Comparison of the Osteogenic Potential of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and Endosequence Root Repair Material in a 3-dimensional Culture System

J Endod. 2016 May;42(5):760-5. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2016.02.001. Epub 2016 Mar 16.

Abstract

Introduction: The ability to promote osteoblast differentiation is a desirable property of root-end filling materials. Several in vitro studies compare the cytotoxicity and physical properties between mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Endosequence root repair material (ERRM), but not their osteogenic potential. Three-dimensional cultures allow cells to better maintain their physiological morphology and better resemble in vivo cellular response than 2-dimensional cultures. Here we examined the osteogenic potential of MTA and ERRM by using a commercially available 3-dimensional Alvetex scaffold.

Methods: Mandibular osteoblasts were derived from 3-week-old male transgenic reporter mice where mature osteoblasts express green fluorescent protein (GFP) driven by a 2.3-kilobase type I collagen promoter (Col(I)-2.3). Mandibular osteoblasts were grown on Alvetex in direct contact with MTA, ERRM, or no material (negative control) for 14 days. Osteoblast differentiation was evaluated by expression levels of osteogenic genes by using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and by the spatial dynamics of Col(I)-2.3 GFP-positive mature osteoblasts within the Alvetex scaffolds by using 2-photon microscopy.

Results: ERRM significantly increased alkaline phosphatase (Alp) and bone sialoprotein (Bsp) expression compared with MTA and negative control groups. Both MTA and ERRM increased osterix (Osx) mRNA significantly compared with the negative control group. The percentage of Col(I)-2.3 GFP-positive cells over total cells within Alvetex was the highest in the ERRM group, followed by MTA and by negative controls.

Conclusions: ERRM promotes osteoblast differentiation better than MTA and controls with no material in a 3-dimensional culture system. Alvetex scaffolds can be used to test endodontic materials.

Keywords: 3-dimensional culture; Alvetex; Endosequence root repair material; mineral trioxide aggregate; osteoblast differentiation.

MeSH terms

  • Alkaline Phosphatase / biosynthesis
  • Alkaline Phosphatase / drug effects
  • Aluminum Compounds / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified
  • Calcium Compounds / pharmacology*
  • Calcium Phosphates / pharmacology*
  • Cell Culture Techniques
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Drug Combinations
  • Gene Expression
  • Integrin-Binding Sialoprotein / biosynthesis
  • Integrin-Binding Sialoprotein / drug effects
  • Male
  • Mandible
  • Materials Testing
  • Mice
  • Osteoblasts / drug effects
  • Osteogenesis / drug effects*
  • Osteogenesis / genetics
  • Oxides / pharmacology*
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Root Canal Filling Materials / pharmacology*
  • Silicates / pharmacology*
  • Sp7 Transcription Factor
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • Aluminum Compounds
  • Calcium Compounds
  • Calcium Phosphates
  • Drug Combinations
  • EndoSequence root repair material
  • Integrin-Binding Sialoprotein
  • Oxides
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Root Canal Filling Materials
  • Silicates
  • Sp7 Transcription Factor
  • Sp7 protein, mouse
  • Transcription Factors
  • mineral trioxide aggregate
  • Alkaline Phosphatase