The effects of mineral trioxide aggregates on cytokine production by mouse pulp tissue

Objective The objective of this study was to determine the effect of MTA on the expression of cytokines in mouse pulp tissue. Study design Pulp tissue was exposed to MTA, and the expression of CCL5/RANTES, CCL2/MCP1, IL-1α, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-6 was evaluated by RT-PCR at 10 and 20 days after exposure. Control groups were not exposed to MTA. Results We found no detectable expression of CCL2, IL-4, and IL-6 in the tissue from either group, while TNF-α was expressed at high levels 20 days after exposure ( P < .05). CCL5 and IL-1α mRNA expression was lower in the MTA-treated group 10 days after treatment ( P < .05). At 20 days after the surgical procedure, IFN-γ mRNA expression was also lower in the MTA-treated group ( P < .05). Conclusions These findings suggest that MTA down-regulates the inflammatory cytokines CCL5, IL-1α and IFN-γ and may have an anti-inflammatory effect.