Glutathione is an important intracellular molecule that aids in limiting oxidative cellular damage.  Glutathione exists in reduced (GSH) and oxidized (dimeric, GSSG) forms, normally about 85-95% as GSH.  Previous studies have shown that metal ions alter the GSH/GSSG balance or total GSH (TGSH) levels.  Objective:  To measure the effect of dental monomers on glutathione balance and levels.  Methods:  Cultures (n=6) of THP-1 human monocytes were exposed to HEMA (0-10 mmol/L) or TEGDMA (0-1 mmol/L) for 24 h, after which GSH, GSSG, and total GSH were measured using colorimetric assays.  Data were normalized for cell number (hemocytometer), then compared statistically (ANOVA/Tukey, a=0.05).  Results:  Neither HEMA or TEGDMA altered the GSH:GSSG ratio (mean- 85:15%) at any concentration.  However, HEMA caused 

HEMA (mmol/L)	0	2.5	5	7.5	10
TGSH (pg/cell) (SD)	2.5 (0.5)	3.3 (0.4)	1.8 (0.2)*	1.5 (0.6)*	0.8 (0.1)*
TEGDMA (mmol/L)	0	0.25	0.5	0.75	1.0
TGSH (pg/cell) (SD)	2.5 (0.3)	2.2 (0.2)	2.8 (0.3)	2.6 (0.4)	3.6 (0.4)*

a significant reduction (* in table) in TGSH at or above 5 mmol/L.  An increase in TGSH at 2.5 mmol/L was not significant.  TEGDMA caused a significant increase in TGSH at 1 mmol/L.  Conclusion:  HEMA and TEGDMA do not alter GSH:GSSG ratios but alter TGSH levels in monocytes after 24 h exposure.  Glutathione may be a useful means to assess the sublethal cellular stress caused by dental monomers.  (Supported by Grant-in-aid #13844349 MESSC Japan/MCG Biocompatibility Prog.)

Back to the Dental Materials: VIII - Others-Non-metallic Program
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