THE EXAMINATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BRAIN DAMAGE AND DENTAL RESTORATIVE FILLING MATERIALS: AN IN-VIVO STUDY

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the possible effects of restorative materials such as resin composite, amalgam and glass ionomer on brain tissue. Thirty-two Wistar albino rats were taken and restorative materials were put in the neck region at the back. After 8 weeks, the brain tissues were removed and analyzed using nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)/p65 and hematoxylin & eosin staining methods. Further, the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, lipid peroxidase, and glutathione were determined in the brain tissues. More intense staining of immunopositive cells was observed in the restorative material groups than the control group, also neuronal degeneration was detected in these groups. Results of the tests indicated increased oxidative stress in all the restorative material groups compared with the control group. All three dental restorative materials exhibited cytotoxic effects on the brain tissue. Additionally, oxidative stress may have occurred in the brain tissue. The heavy metal compounds in the restorative materials caused neuronal degeneration and may also have caused oxidative stress in the brain tissue, indicating the cytotoxic effects of dental restorative materials.