Translationally controlled tumor protein against apoptosis from 2-hydroxy-ethyl methacrylate in human dental pulp cells.

2-Hydroxy-ethyl methacrylate (HEMA) is a major monomer released from resin-base dental restorative materials. HEMA is cytotoxic to pulp cells and leads to apoptosis. This study examined the effect of Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein (TCTP) against apoptosis from HEMA. TCTP from banana prawn (Penaeus merguiensis) was cloned and the protein was purified. It significantly increased the number of viable of HEMA-treated cells compared to HEMA-treated cells alone. Flow cytometry indicated the addition of TCTP at 10 μg/ml to 8 and 10 mM HEMA decreased the apoptotic cells from 20 to 10%. The proliferative property and anti-apoptotic activity against HEMA was concentration dependent. It was interesting that the added TCTP was not detected inside the cells and the native human TCTP was decreased after treated with HEMA and TCTP (20 μg/ml) + HEMA(10 mM) for 24 h. These results provided preliminary information, which may contribute to the development of less toxic dental materials.