Background and Objective
The potential benefit of using hyaluronan (
HA
) in reconstructive periodontal surgery is still a matter of debate. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of two
HA
formulations on human oral fibroblasts involved in soft tissue wound healing/regeneration.
Material and Methods
Metabolic, proliferative and migratory abilities of primary human palatal and gingival fibroblasts were examined upon
HA
treatment. To uncover the mechanisms whereby
HA
influences cellular behavior, wound healing‐related gene expression and activation of signaling kinases were analyzed by
qRT
‐
PCR
and immunoblotting, respectively.
Results
The investigated
HA
formulations maintained the viability of oral fibroblasts and increased their proliferative and migratory abilities. They enhanced expression of genes encoding type
III
collagen and transforming growth factor‐β3, characteristic of scarless wound healing. The
HA
s upregulated the expression of genes encoding pro‐proliferative, pro‐migratory, and pro‐inflammatory factors, with only a moderate effect on the latter in gingival fibroblasts. In palatal but not gingival fibroblasts, an indirect effect of
HA
on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 3 was detected, potentially exerted through induction of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Finally, our data pointed on Akt, Erk1/2 and p38 as the signaling molecules whereby the
HA
s exert their effects on oral fibroblasts.
Conclusion
Both investigated
HA
formulations are biocompatible and enhance the proliferative, migratory and wound healing properties of cell types involved in soft tissue wound healing following regenerative periodontal surgery. Our data further suggest that in gingival tissues, the
HA
s are not likely to impair the healing process by prolonging inflammation or causing excessive
MMP
expression at the repair site.