The Effects of CurodontTM Application on Human Gingival Fibroblasts.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the cytotoxicity of Curodont^TM (an alternative tooth varnish that promotes remineralization of incipient lesions using a self-assembling peptide P11-4) on soft tissue concerning gingival fibroblasts (GF) and assess survivability, proliferation, and attachment compared to silver diammine fluoride (SDF) and fluoride varnish (FV) as controls. Methods: Assessment of cell proliferation, survivability, and attachment was accomplished by studying the effects of varying concentrations of Curodont^TM on gingival fibroblasts. Proliferation, survivability, and attachment were measured using Calcein-AM (a fluorescent dye that labels only living cells) via a microplate reader. Results: SDF at 0.1 percent concentrations led to complete GF cell death within 24 hours. In contrast, GF displayed near complete cell survival when exposed to FV at up to five percent con- centrations. GF displayed a significant reduction in cell survival at a one percent concentration of Curodont^TM. Curodont ^TM also significantly reduced cell attachment reduction at concentrations of two percent. Cell proliferation was significantly reduced by FV at a concentration of one percent and for Curodont^TM at 0.5 percent. Curodont^TM at a concentration of two percent led to a change in cell morphology including a reduction in cell attachment and spreading, while FV did not significantly alter cell morphology. Conclusions: Based on this in vitro study: Curodont^TM is less cyto- toxic than SDF but more cytotoxic than FV. Curodont^TM, even at low concentrations, significantly reduced cell survival, cell proliferation, and cell adhesion. Thus, Curodont^TM may have more detrimental effects on exposed gingival connective tissue than FV.