Antioxidants Increased In Vitro Wound Healing of Nicotine‐Treated Oral Fibroblasts

Objectives Smoking is associated with increased risk for oral health and dental problems. Treatment with antioxidants (AO) can block the production of reactive oxygen species or block its effects, and might be therapeutically valuable in reducing the risk for many dental maladies. The aim of this study is to address the hypothesis that nicotine impairs wound healing by inhibiting cell migration, and that AOs may counteract nicotine effects. Methods To test the effects of nicotine and AO compounds on cell migration, the cells were grown to confluence. Cells were pretreated with 6 mM nicotine for two hours and then treated with AOs. Two hours later, a scratch wound assay was performed. The migratory behavior of the wounded cells was recorded every hour for ten hours, using a Nikon‐Biostation. Analysis of the levels of RAC‐GTP at the leading edge of the wound were determined using confocal microscopy. Results AO treatment counteracted the inhibitory effects of nicotine and increased migration rates in human gingival fibroblasts and human periodontal ligament cells, the former to a greater extent than the latter. AO compounds increased the level of RAC activation at the leading edge of cells around the wound margin. Conclusions Nicotine impairs migration of gingival and periodontal fibroblasts. Treatment with combinations of antioxidants showed synergistic effects in restoring cell migration after wound creation. Grant Funding Source : Periosciences