Identification of quercitrin as a potential therapeutic agent for periodontal applications.

BACKGROUND

Flavonoids are natural phenolic compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial capacity. This study aims to investigate the effects of different flavonoids for potential use in periodontal applications.

METHODS

Cultures of Staphylococcus epidermidis or primary human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were treated with different doses of chrysin, diosmetin, galangin, quercitrin, and taxifolin. The effect of these molecules was evaluated on S. epidermidis growth rate and HGF viability, gene expression, collagen production, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, wound healing, and production of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and tissue inhibitor of MMP-1 (TIMP1).

RESULTS

Among all the screened flavonoids, quercitrin showed the most promising biologic effects, in both HGFs and S. epidermidis. Thus, quercitrin was not toxic for HGFs; increased collagen IIIα1 and decorin levels; downregulated interleukin-6 messenger RNA levels; decreased the expression of profibrotic markers during wound healing; decreased ROS levels in basal and stimulated conditions; and decreased the MMP1/TIMP1 ratio. Quercitrin also decreased the bacterial growth rate.

CONCLUSIONS

RESULTS suggest that quercitrin could contribute to protect and recover the integrity of gingival tissues, thus displaying a potential use for periodontal disease treatment or to functionalize dental implant abutments to improve soft tissue integration. Further studies are required to confirm the role of quercitrin in gingival tissues.