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

Background and Objectives: The use of proanthocyanidins (PACNs) alongside standard periodontal treatment procedures can improve periodontal and peri-implant tissue healing. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of Pelargonium sidoides root extract (PSRE) on periodontal tissue proliferation in comparison with chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX). Materials and Methods: A cell culture study was performed using human gingival fibroblast (HGF-1) and human periodontal ligament fibroblast (HPDLF) lines. The HGF-1 cell line was exposed to CHX (the gold standard treatment in periodontal diseases) and PSRE at concentrations of up to 800 μg/mL, which were compared with negative controls. HGF-1 viability and proliferation were evaluated using fluorescence tests and the PrestoBlue assay, respectively. In addition, the cell proliferation induction ability of PSRE was evaluated by treating HGF-1 and HPDLF cells with PSRE at 25 and 50 μg/mL concentrations and measuring the TGFβ-1 levels using TGFβ-1 ELISA. Results: When comparing the effects of the 25 μg/mL PSRE treatment to the control, a statistically significant difference in HGF-1 cell growth was observed (0.297 ± 0.048 (mean ± SE) and 0.203 ± 0.01, respectively; p = 0.006). The strongest cytotoxic effect on HGF-1 cells was observed with CHX (0.007 ± 0.006, p < 0.001 vs. control). The HGF-1 and HPDLF cells showed statistically significant increases in TGFβ-1 levels when treated with PSRE at 25 and 50 μg/mL compared with the control (352.38 ± 31.32 (mean ± SE) and 330.99 ± 26.53 versus 161.07 ± 15.11 in HGF-1 cells; 397.53 ± 18.1 and 399.91 ± 27.61 versus 137.7 ± 16.54 in HPDLF cells, p < 0.001). Additionally, no negative effects were detected at low PSRE concentrations (less than 100 μg/mL). Conclusions: The results of this study suggested that PACNs may promote HGF-1 and HPDLF cell proliferation. In contrast, CHX showed cytotoxic effects.