Physico-chemical and Biological Properties of a New Portland Cement-based Root Repair Material.

Objective: To propose bismuth carbonate, a radiopacifying agent, as a new endodontic root repair material that was added to Portland cement (PC) at 2 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt% and 15 wt%, and physicochemical and biological properties of each formulation were evaluated in comparison to MTA-Angelus.

Methods: Mixed and powder samples were analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray power diffraction (XRD), and the semiquantitative constitution of the powder was determined by energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS). Setting time was evaluated by Vicat needle and radiopacity analysed with digital X-ray.

Characterization of a Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-loaded Bioresorbable Delivery System for Pulp Regeneration.

Introduction: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a signal protein that stimulates angiogenesis and vasculogenesis and has been used in tissue regeneration and pulp regeneration experimental models. The purpose of this study was to develop a delivery system composed of a biodegradable fiber and controlled release of VEGF to promote cell viability and secure an adequate blood supply for the survival of human stem cells of the apical papilla (SCAP) favoring endodontic regenerative procedures.

Methods: We developed a polydioxanone fiber, 50 μm in diameter, loaded with VEGF at a linear concentration of 12.

Analysis of radiopacity, pH and cytotoxicity of a new bioceramic material.

Objective: RetroMTA® is a new hydraulic bioceramic indicated for pulp capping, perforations or root resorption repair, apexification and apical surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the radiopacity, pH variation and cytotoxicity of this material to ProRoot® MTA.

Material And Methods: Mixed cements were exposed to a digital x-ray along with an aluminum stepwedge for the radiopacity assay.

Analysis of multiple cytokine polymorphisms in individuals with untreated deep carious lesions reveals IL1B (rs1143643) as a susceptibility factor for periapical lesion development.

Introduction: It has been proposed that individual genetic predisposition may contribute to persistent apical periodontitis. Cytokines are associated with levels of inflammation and are involved in caries, pulpal, and periapical tissue destruction. We hypothesized that polymorphisms in cytokine genes may contribute to an individual's increased susceptibility to apical tissue destruction in response to deep carious lesions.

Expression of heat shock proteins in periapical granulomas.

Introduction: Cells from virtually all organisms respond to a variety of stresses by the rapid synthesis of a highly conserved set of polypeptides termed heat shock proteins (HSPs). HSPs protect cells under adverse conditions such as infection, inflammation, and disease. We hypothesize that endodontic infection might result in an imbalance in the expression of heat shock genes, accounting for different clinical outcomes in periapical lesions.