Reduction in the amount of glutathione (GSH) in cells can lead to increased sensitivity to physical and chemical agents. Methacrylate monomers (MM) are precursors of polymethacrylates which are used in dental and medical biomaterials and in a wide variety of other products. MM can increase cell sensitivity to long wavelength ultraviolet and visible radiation. The aim of this study is to elucidate if MM can induce sensitivity also to shorter wavelength radiation.

In this study, the viability of human lung epithelial cells, BEAS-2B, was investigated after exposure to this monomer. Exposure to HEMA reduced the viability of the BEAS-2B cells as a result of increased apoptosis, interruption of the cell cycle, and decreased cell proliferation.

Organisms living in aquatic ecosystems may experience high doses of natural UV radiation. UV radiation penetrates the water column down to several meters. The penetration depth differs depending on the contents of particles, dissolved matter or pollutants. The aim of this study was to establish the dose-response relationship of phenotypic changes caused by UV.

Methacrylate monomers that are found to leach from cured resin-based dental materials induce biological effects in vitro. The underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated although involvement of increased cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA-damage has been suggested

Induction of cell death by optical radiation in the wavelength range 350–500 nm was significantly increased by commonly used methacrylate monomers, not mediated by absorption of radiation by the methacrylate monomers, but through a mechanism involving rapid reduction in the level of glutathione