The effect of dental gel formulation on human primary fibroblasts - an in vitro study

Introduction: In ordinary dental practice, the dentist often meets with patients suffering from ulcers, aphtha with edema, bleeding gums, bothersome burning, and dry mouth. These are prosthetic, orthodontic patients, after surgery, in various age ranges. Protefix® gel is a soothing and regenerating preparation aimed at patients with mucosal problems. The aim of our study was to evaluate the protective properties and the safety of Protefix® gel application after dental procedures in vitro.

Material and methods: Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were isolated from normal gingival tissues, cultured to full monolayer and exposed to Protefix® gel in the concentration from 1 to 100%. The viability of cells was examined by MTT assays. Cell migration as a response of treated cells was assessed. The expression of collagen III was estimated by immunocytochemistry after 20 minutes or 24 hours incubation with Protefix® gel.

Results: The obtained results indicated that the verified gel significantly stimulated fibroblasts' proliferation, and mitochondrial activity determined by MTT assay increased almost two-fold for lower gel concentrations. The immunohistochemical detection of collagen III revealed an increased expression after incubation with 5% gel.

Conclusions: The results proved that the gel is safe for cells derived from human gingiva and moreover has regenerative properties, which can be of great importance in the treatment of gingivitis after retraction and surgical procedures, or even ordinary daily injuries of oral cavity.

Keywords: Protefix® gel; cell proliferation; collagen III; human gingival fibroblasts.