Hyaluronic Acid Modulates IL1β-Induced Cytokine Profile of Gingival Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Hyaluronic acid (HA) possesses anti-inflammatory properties critical for periodontal wound healing. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the role of cross-linked high-molecular-weight (HMW) HA on cytokine mRNA expression, cell viability and migration in IL-1β-stimulated gingival mesenchymal stem cells (gMSCs).

gMSCs were treated with IL-1β (1 ng/mL), HA dilutions (1:2 and 1:4) or both. Cell viability was determined using the MTT assay at 24 h. Cell migration was assessed at 24 h using a wound-healing assay. RNA was isolated on days 1 and 7, and mRNA expressions of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-1 and IL-17 were evaluated via RT-PCR.

IL-1β significantly reduced cell viability (p < 0.01), while HA co-treatment restored it to control levels (p < 0.05) and increased wound closure after 8 h (p < 0.05). IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA expressions were up-regulated by IL-1β; HA significantly decreased their expression on days 1 and 7 (p < 0.01), enhanced IL-10 and suppressed IL-17 (p < 0.01).

HA suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-17) while up-regulating IL-10 in IL-1β-exposed gMSCs, restoring cell viability and accelerating wound closure under inflammatory conditions. These findings support the rationale for HA's clinical use in periodontal therapy.