Proliferative Effect of Proanthocyanidins on HGF-1 and HPDLF Cells: An In Vitro Study

Area of Science:

• Periodontology
• Cell Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Proanthocyanidins (PACNs) may improve periodontal and peri-implant tissue healing when used with standard treatments.
• Chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) is a standard treatment for periodontal diseases.
• Pelargonium sidoides root extract (PSRE) is being investigated for its therapeutic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of different concentrations of Pelargonium sidoides root extract (PSRE) on periodontal tissue fibroblast proliferation.
• To compare the effects of PSRE with chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX).

Main Methods:

• Human gingival fibroblast (HGF-1) and human periodontal ligament fibroblast (HPDLF) cell lines were used.
• Cells were exposed to varying concentrations of CHX and PSRE.
• Cell viability, proliferation (PrestoBlue assay), and TGFβ-1 levels (ELISA) were measured.

Main Results:

• PSRE at 25 μg/mL significantly increased HGF-1 cell growth compared to controls (p=0.006).
• CHX exhibited the strongest cytotoxic effect on HGF-1 cells (p < 0.001).
• PSRE (25 and 50 μg/mL) significantly increased TGFβ-1 levels in both HGF-1 and HPDLF cells (p < 0.001), with no adverse effects below 100 μg/mL.

Conclusions:

• PACNs, potentially from PSRE, may promote HGF-1 and HPDLF cell proliferation.
• PSRE demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for periodontal tissue healing.
• CHX showed cytotoxic effects, highlighting potential limitations in standard periodontal treatment.