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Published on: November 6, 2021
Effects of polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate on human gingival fibroblasts
Anton Vitt1,2, Veronica Slizen3, Elisabeth A Boström1
1a Department of Dental Medicine, Division of Periodontology , Karolinska Institutet , Huddinge , Sweden.
Objective:
Polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate (PHMG-P) was compared to chlorhexidine (CHX) in order to determine potential cytotoxic and immune-modulatory effects on human gingival fibroblasts.
Materials And Methods:
Cytotoxic effects of PHMG-P and CHX on human gingival fibroblasts were assessed using cell viability assay at various time points and concentrations. The effects of PHMG-P and CHX on the secretion of prostaglandin (PG) E2, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 by non-stimulated or IL-1β stimulated fibroblasts were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.
Results:
PHMG-P concentration 0.00009% led to the total loss of fibroblast viability within 24 h, whereas inhibition of fibroblast viability by CHX occurred at significantly higher concentrations of 0.0009% (p < .001). Short-term exposure to 0.005% PHMG-P led to loss of fibroblast viability after 5 min, whilst cells exposed to 0.005% CHX survived 30 min of treatment (p < .001). IL-1β stimulation induced an inflammatory response with a significant increase in the secretion of PGE2, IL-6, IL-8 and MMP-1. Treatment of IL-1β stimulated fibroblasts in combination with PHMG-P or CHX at concentrations of 0.000045 or 0.0.00009% resulted in significantly decreased PGE2, IL-6, IL-8 and MMP-1 levels. PHMG-P or CHX alone did not affect the baseline secretion of PGE2, IL-6, IL-8 or MMP-1 by gingival fibroblasts.
Conclusions:
Cytotoxic effects on gingival fibroblasts were triggered by both PHMG-P and CHX at concentrations below those used in clinical practice. The tested antiseptics did not cause inflammation and reduced IL-1β-induced secretion of inflammatory mediators and collagenase by gingival fibroblasts, which suggests anti-inflammatory properties.
Insights
Polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate (PHMG-P) and chlorhexidine (CHX) exhibit cytotoxic effects on human gingival fibroblasts at low concentrations. However, both antiseptics demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties by reducing inflammatory mediator secretion.
Area of Science:
- Oral biology
- Cell biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Human gingival fibroblasts play a crucial role in maintaining oral tissue health.
- Antiseptics like polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate (PHMG-P) and chlorhexidine (CHX) are commonly used in oral care.
- Understanding their effects on gingival fibroblasts is essential for safe and effective clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the cytotoxic and immune-modulatory effects of PHMG-P and CHX on human gingival fibroblasts.
- To assess the impact of these antiseptics on the secretion of key inflammatory mediators.
Main Methods:
- Human gingival fibroblasts were exposed to varying concentrations of PHMG-P and CHX.
- Cell viability was measured using cell viability assays.
- Secretion of prostaglandin E2, IL-6, IL-8, and MMP-1 was evaluated using ELISA in both non-stimulated and IL-1β-stimulated fibroblasts.
Main Results:
- PHMG-P exhibited higher cytotoxicity than CHX, causing fibroblast death at lower concentrations and shorter exposure times.
- Both PHMG-P and CHX significantly reduced the secretion of PGE2, IL-6, IL-8, and MMP-1 in IL-1β-stimulated fibroblasts.
- Neither PHMG-P nor CHX affected the baseline secretion of these mediators in non-stimulated fibroblasts.
Conclusions:
- Both PHMG-P and CHX demonstrate cytotoxic effects on human gingival fibroblasts at concentrations relevant to clinical use.
- These antiseptics possess anti-inflammatory properties, as evidenced by their ability to suppress inflammatory mediator release.
- Further research is warranted to optimize antiseptic concentrations for therapeutic benefit while minimizing cytotoxicity.
