In-vitro activity of hyaluronic acid and human serum on periodontal biofilm and periodontal ligament fibroblasts

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: A beneficial effect of cross-linked hyaluronic acid (cHA) on periodontal wound healing and regeneration has recently been demonstrated. The present in-vitro study was designed to obtain deeper knowledge on the effect of cHA when applied in the gingival sulcus (serum-rich environment) during non-surgical periodontal therapy. Materials and methods: The influence of cHA, human serum (HS) and cHA/HS on (i) a 12-species biofilm formation, (ii) the adhesion of periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLF) to dentine surface, (iii) the expression and secretion of interleukin-8 and (iv) the expression of receptors of HA in PDLF and gingival fibroblasts (GF) were evaluated. Results: At 4 h of biofilm formation, cHA and HS in combination (cHA/HS) slightly decreased the colony forming unit counts in biofilm whereas the metabolic activity of biofilm was reduced in all test groups (cHA, HS, cHA/HS) vs. control. At 24 h, the quantity of biofilm was reduced in all test groups vs. untreated control. The test substances did not affect adhesion of PDLF to dentin. HS increased the expression of IL-8 by PDLF and GF which was partially downregulated by cHA. HS and/or cHA promoted the expression of the HA receptor RHAAM in GF but not in PDLF. Conclusions: In summary, the present data indicate that serum neither negatively affect the activity of cHA against periodontal biofilm, nor had any unwanted influence on the activity of PDLF. Clinical relevance: These findings lend additional support for the positive effects of cHA on cells involved in periodontal wound healing, thus pointing to its potential use in non-surgical periodontal therapy.