Objective: To evaluate the cytotoxicity of stainless-steel orthodontic bands and their influence on the expression of the antioxidant genes in human gingival fibroblasts.
Materials and methods: Ten bands of each brand (Dentsply-Sirona, Dentaurum, TP Orthodontics, and Morelli) were conditioned in 0.2 g/mL culture medium at 37°C for 14 days, and the corresponding conditioned media were applied over the fibroblasts. Cell viability was assessed after 24, 48, and 72 hours of exposure to the conditioned media by trypan blue exclusion assay. Expression of the antioxidant defense genes peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) were evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction after 24 hours of exposure. These parameters were compared to those of the cells not exposed to the conditioned media of the bands (control).
Results: All bands promoted a reduction in the number of viable cells in the periods of 48 and 72 hours (P < .01). Analysis of gene expression showed a significant increase in the levels of PRDX1 transcripts caused by the conditioned media of the Dentsply-Sirona, TP Orthodontics, and Morelli bands (P < .01) as well as induction of SOD1 by the conditioned media of the Dentaurum and Morelli (P < .01). Expression of GPX1 was not influenced by the conditioned media.
Conclusions: The orthodontic bands showed toxicity to fibroblasts and increased the expression of PRDX1 and SOD1 antioxidant genes, indicating induction of oxidative stress in the cells.
Keywords: Biocompatibility; Orthodontic bands; Orthodontics.