Cytotoxicity of nickel ions for human osteoblasts in the context of orthodontic treatment in humans and animals

Authors: MARCIN MIKULEWICZ, KATARZYNA CHOJNACKA, IWONA KOCHANOWSKA, AGNIESZKA DZIEWICKA, MACIEJ JANECZEK, JERZY CIEPLIK, ALEKSANDER CHRÓSZCZ

Abstract: In the present work, the biocompatibility of orthodontic devices was tested by the propagation of human osteoblasts. A different methodological approach was applied. Since the materials used in human and veterinary orthodontics (not in implantology) had been tested, osteoblasts were not implanted on the surface of the biomaterial, but have been cultured in the medium containing the products of corrosion. In the present work, osteoblasts were propagated in the medium spiked with Ni(II) salt versus the control. Osteoblast cells (live, dead, and total) were counted under light microscope. The statistical significance of the differences between the experimental and control groups were evaluated (P < 0.05). Based on the number of live, dead, and total cells, the viability and proliferation were determined. A slight cytotoxic effect of Ni(II) ions at the studied concentration was confirmed. The mean viability was 7% lower in the experimental versus the control group (the difference was statistically significant), while the change of proliferation was not significant.

Keywords: Nickel(II), cytotoxicity, osteoblasts, orthodontic appliance

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