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Background: This study evaluated the cytotoxicity, antibacterial and physicochemical properties of a new epoxy resin-based endodontic sealer containing calcium-hydroxide Sealer Plus. AH Plus was used as a reference for comparison., Material and Methods: Cytotoxicity evaluation was performed according to ISO-10993-5 specifications using MTT assay to check the 3T3 cells viability at 1- to 4-week periods. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using a direct contact test against Enterococcus faecalis. Radiopacity, solubility and flow evaluations were performed according to ISO-6876/2012 specifications. Setting time was assessed following the ANSI/ADA-standard-n.57. The pH level was measured at 3,24,48,72, and 168 hours. Data were statistically analyzed using t-test. The significance level adopted was P <0.05., Results: AH Plus and Sealer Plus showed cytotoxic effects after 24 hours and 1 week of manipulation and become noncytotoxic after 2 weeks. No differences were observed in the cytotoxicity of both tested sealers ( P >0.05). Direct contact results revealed that both freshly prepared sealers has antibacterial effects against Enterococcus faecalis. However, after 7 days both sealers had lost much of their antibacterial effects. Although AH Plus presented higher radiopacity and flow than Sealer Plus ( P <0.05), both sealers showed minimum required values. No differences were observed in the solubility of both sealers ( P >0.05). AH Plus showed a higher setting time when compared to Sealer Plus ( P <0.05). AH Plus and Sealer Plus showed a neutral pH during all tested periods ( P <0.05)., Conclusions: It can be concluded that Sealer Plus showed suitable properties to be used as an endodontic sealer, comparable with those obtained by AH Plus. Key words: Cytotoxicity, root canal filling materials, root canal obturation., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest The authors deny any conflict of interest., (Copyright: © 2020 Medicina Oral S.L.)

Background: Macrophages and plasma cells play a key role in the regulation of innate and adaptive immunity. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of these cells in apical periodontitis and their distribution comparing with clinical and image data., Material and Methods: Thirty-three lesions were selected and divided in two groups (17 periapical cysts and 16 periapical granulomas). Immunoreactions using anti-CD68 and anti-CD138 antibodies were carried out; image analysis was performed with an optical microscope and 5 high-power fields from each slide were evaluated leading to an average score of immunoexpression. This mean score was compared between the two groups and correlated with the clinical and image data., Results: There was no statistically significant difference ( p >0.05) for the mean average score of CD68+ macrophages and CD138+ plasma cells when comparing the two groups (cysts x granulomas) and the specimens included in each specific group. No statistically significant differences ( p >0.05) were also observed when comparing the average scores with clinical and image data., Conclusions: The presence of CD68+ macrophages and CD138+ plasma cells was similar in periapical cysts and granulomas and the presence of these cells did not correlate with clinical and image data from both groups. Key words: Macrophages, plasma cells, apical periodontitis, periapical granuloma, periapical cyst., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest statement:The authors declare they have no conflicts of interest.