Cytotoxic Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide on Human Gingival Fibroblasts In Vitro

Area of Science:

• Dental materials science
• Cell biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• In-office bleaching is a common cosmetic dental procedure.
• Accidental contact of bleaching agents with gingiva can cause temporary pain and tissue changes.
• The specific cytotoxic effects of bleaching agents on gingival tissues are not well-documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the cytotoxic effects of in-office bleaching agents on cultured human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs).
• To analyze the protective role of vitamin E against these cytotoxic effects.
• To understand the inflammatory response triggered by bleaching agents in HGFs.

Main Methods:

• Utilized cultured human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) for toxicity testing.
• Employed DNA microarray analysis to assess cellular responses.
• Investigated the effects of varying hydrogen peroxide concentrations and vitamin E co-administration.

Main Results:

• Hydrogen peroxide in bleaching agents significantly reduced HGF survival at concentrations of 1.5 × 10(-3)% and higher.
• Vitamin E addition markedly reduced the cytotoxicity of hydrogen peroxide.
• In-office bleaching agents stimulated the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in HGFs.

Conclusions:

• Hydrogen peroxide in dental bleaching agents exhibits dose-dependent cytotoxicity to human gingival fibroblasts.
• Vitamin E demonstrates a protective effect against the cytotoxic and inflammatory actions of bleaching agents on gingival cells.
• Local application of vitamin E prior to in-office bleaching could be a strategy to prevent gingival irritation.