ROS formation and glutathione levels in human oral fibroblasts exposed to TEGDMA and camphorquinone

Glutathione (GSH) is important for the self‐protection of cells against oxidative stress and toxic xenobiotics, whereas reactive oxygen species (ROS) at elevated concentrations may cause detrimental alterations of cell membranes, DNA, and other cellular structures. The present investigation addressed the effects of triethylene‐glycoldimethacrylate (TEGDMA) and camphorquinone (CQ) on glutathione metabolism and the formation of ROS in oral cells. Primary human pulp fibroblasts were exposed to various concentrations of TEGDMA and CQ (0.1–5 mM). Subsequently, GSH concentration and ROS formation were analyzed with the use of the monobromobimane assay (GSH) and 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH‐DA) (ROS). The endogenous ROS hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was used as a positive control (0.02–2 mM). TEGDMA significantly decreased GSH at concentrations between 0.5 and 5 mM (p < 0.05), but did not elevate ROS levels. Contrary, CQ increased ROS formation at concentrations ≥ 1 mM, but had only a moderate effect on GSH at the highest test concentration. Hydrogen peroxide increased ROS and simultaneously decreased GSH at concentrations of ≥ 0.2 mM. These data show that the investigated substances may cause cell damage due to various mechanisms, GSH decrease and/or ROS increase. As a consequence, TEGDMA and CQ released into an aqueous environment from resinous materials might interact, thus generating significant cytotoxic effects even at low concentrations. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2005