In vitro Study on the Effect of Antioxidants on Oral Mucosal Healing

Abstract

Background: Oral mucosal healing is a complex biological process involving epithelial and connective tissue regeneration. The use of antioxidants has been proposed to accelerate healing by reducing oxidative stress and enhancing tissue repair. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different antioxidants on oral mucosal healing in an in vitro model. Materials and Methods: Oral mucosal cells were cultured in a standard medium and subjected to scratch wound assays. The experimental groups included treatment with Vitamin C (100 μM), Vitamin E (50 μM), and a combination of both. A control group without antioxidant treatment was maintained. Healing was assessed at 24, 48, and 72 hours using image analysis software. Oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, were measured. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and post-hoc tests (P < 0.05 considered significant). Results: At 72 hours, the wound closure percentage was significantly higher in the Vitamin C group (80%) compared to the control (50%) and Vitamin E group (70%). The combination group showed the highest healing rate (90%). MDA levels were reduced by 35% in the combination group, while SOD activity increased by 40% compared to the control. The difference between all experimental groups and the control was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Antioxidants, particularly in combination, significantly enhance oral mucosal healing in vitro. These findings suggest their potential therapeutic application in managing oral wounds and lesions. Further studies are warranted to explore their clinical implications.

Keywords

• antioxidants
• in vitro study
• oral mucosal healing
• oxidative stress
• vitamin c
• vitamin e