Effect of mineral trioxide aggregate on cytokine production by peritoneal macrophages

Aim  To test the effect of two commercial brands of grey mineral trioxide aggregate (ProRoot® and MTA-Ângelus®) on cytokine production by M1 and M2 inflammatory macrophages. Methodology  M1 (from C57BL/6 mice) and M2 peritoneal inflammatory macrophages (from C57BL/6 IL12p40−/− mice) were obtained and cultured in vitro in the presence of MTA. The cellular viability and the production of tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-10 in response to stimulation with interferon-γ and Fusobacterium nucleatum or Peptostreptococcus anaerobius were evaluated. Data were analysed by Mann–Whitney, Kruskal–Wallis and anova tests. Results  The cements did not interfere with cellular viability or with cytokine production by either type of macrophage. However, M2 macrophages produced higher levels of IL-10 when stimulated with F. nucleatum than M1 macrophages (P < 0.05). Conclusions  The brands of MTA evaluated did not interfere in the cytokine response by M1 or M2 macrophages to the two bacteria tested. However, a difference in cytokine production between the two types of macrophages was found.