In total hip arthroplasty, wear particles generated at articulating surfaces and interfaces between bone, cement and implants have a negative impact on osteoblasts, leading to osteolysis and implant loosening. The aim of this experimental study was to determine the effects of particulate wear debris generated at the interface between straight stainless steel hip stems (Exeter(®)) and three different bone cements (Palacos(®) R, Simplex™ P and Cemex(®) Genta) on cell viability, collagen synthesis and cytokine expression in human osteoblasts. Primary osteoblasts were treated with various concentrations of wear particles. The synthesis of procollagen type I and different cytokines was analysed, and markers for apoptosis and necrosis were also detected. The cytokine synthesis rates in the osteoblasts were initially increased and varied, depending on incubation time and particle concentration. Specific differences in the synthesis rates of interleukin (IL)‑6, IL-8, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) were observed with the different bone cements examined. The negative effect of the particles on the synthesis of procollagen type I and increased rates of cell apoptosis and necrosis were observed with all three cements analysed. Our present data suggest that wear particles from the interface between the total hip stem and bone cement have a significant effect on viability, cytokine expression and collagen synthesis in human osteoblasts, depending on the bone cement used.