Effects of different curcumin concentrations on human periodontal ligament fibroblast adhesion and proliferation on periodontally involved root surfaces: In-vitro study

Abstract

Introduction: Periodontopathic endotoxins infiltrate root surface and prevent cellular adhesion to tooth surfaces. Naturally occurring curcumin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial qualities that promote fast wound healing by increasing fibroblast cell proliferation and migration in concentration-dependent manner. Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of 0.12 %, 1 % and 2 % curcumin concentrations on PDL cell adhesion, viability and proliferation to periodontally affected root surfaces. Materials and methods: 20 periodontally affected teeth sectioned into root samples were included. PDL fibroblasts were collected from freshly extracted teeth, cultured and expanded. PDL fibroblast (1 × 10⁵ cells/ml) was seeded on curcumin coated root samples in different concentrations. Study samples were divided into 4 groups: G1 (0.12 % of curcumin paste), G2 (1 % curcumin paste), G3 (2 % curcumin paste) and G4 (control/unconditioned group). All samples were investigated by SEM and MTT assay. Results: G3 showed highest viability and cell proliferation compared to other groups where well defined multilayered adherent cells covering entire surface with totally flat polyhedral bodies with long cytoplasmic extensions and little or no bacterial colonization. Conclusion: Curcumin 2 % provides optimal stimulation of cellular attachment, viability, proliferation and antibacterial effects over periodontitis affected root surfaces. Clinical relevance: Determination of optimal curcumin concentration in this study revealed 2 % concentration produced highest levels of PDL cellular attachment, viability, proliferation and antibacterial action over root surfaces afflicted by periodontitis. Therefore, the use of that optimal curcumin concentration as adjunctive to non-surgical periodontal therapy may modify the periodontal pocket ecology to improve the healing of periodontal tissues.