Triethylene glycol dimethacrylate: adjuvant properties and effect on cytokine production

Abstract

Objective: Leakage of monomers from dental fillings due to incomplete curing is very common. The objective of the present study was to examine the cytokine profile in cells exposed to triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) and the adjuvant properties of TEGDMA. Materials and methods: Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were exposed to TEGDMA (500 and 1000 muM) for 24 h in vitro. Bio-Plex Pro assays were used for analysis and detection of cytokines. In vivo, BALB/c mice were immunized subcutaneously in the base of the tail with TEGDMA in combination with ovalbumin (OVA). Results: The cytokine levels of IL-8, IL-18, GRO-alpha and MCP-1 were significantly increased for both concentrations. IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha was only significantly increased in cultures exposed to 500 muM TEGDMA. The concentration of TNF-alpha was significantly decreased in cultures exposed to 1000 muM TEGDMA. Animals immunized with OVA co-administrated with TEGDMA had a significantly higher IgE and IgG anti-OVA antibody levels in blood than animals immunized with OVA only. Conclusions: TEGDMA affects production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18 and TNF-alpha. This inflammatogenic capacity renders TEGDMAs adjuvant properties, which may interfere with the homeostasis between the immune system and the indigenous microflora in the oral cavity.