Effects of two fast-setting calcium-silicate cements on cell viability and angiogenic factor release in human pulp-derived cells

Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is considered a pulp-capping agent of choice, but has the drawback of a long setting time. This study aimed to assess two different types of calcium-silicate cements as pulp-capping agents, by investigating their in vitro cytotoxicity and angiogenic effects in human pulp cells. ProRoot MTA, Endocem Zr, and Retro MTA were prepared as set or freshly mixed pellets. Human pulp-derived cells were grown in direct contact with these three cements, Dycal, or no cement, for 7 days. Initial cell attachment, viability, calcium release, and the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiogenin, and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) were evaluated statistically using a linear mixed model (P 0.05). We demonstrate that Retro MTA, which has a short setting time, has similar biocompatibility and angiogenic effects on human pulp cells, and can therefore potentially be as effective in pulp capping as ProRoot MTA. Endocem Zr showed intermittent cytotoxicity and elicited lower levels of VEGF and angiogenin expression.restrictio