<i>In vitro</i> cytotoxicity of “mswaki” fibre on human gingival fibroblasts

Abstract

Aim: This study determined the in vitro cytotoxicity of mswaki fibres on human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). Methods: Two types of “mswaki” twigs (Salvadora persica and Euclea natalensis) were used. Each twig was swabbed with 70% ethanol, the bark was then removed and approximately 1cm pieces of fibre were cut and stored separately. Two HGF cell lines (GW3 and GW6) were cultured, harvested and seeded into 12mm tissue culture wells at a concentration of 3-5 X 105cells.ml-1 and allowed to form a monolayer by incubating them for 24h at 37oC in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 and of 95% air. To determine cytotoxicity, cut pieces of both twigs were placed into the tissue culture wells with established HGF and excess media was removed for closer proximity. Using an inverted microscope, cell reactions were observed at 10 and 30min and 1, 2, 4, 24, and 48h and cell lysis determined when a change in cell morphology was observed. Results: None of the employed HGF cell lines showed any change in cell morphology for either of the inoculated mswaki fibres during the study period. Cells appeared healthy and no changes in morphology were observed indicative of cell lysis. Cell proliferation for both cell lines at 24 and 48h showed no significant difference from controls regardless of the presence of mswaki fibre. Conclusion: Both miswaki fibres were observed not to have exhibited any cytotoxic effect hence proof of their suitability as a traditional toothbrush in the maintenance of oral hygiene.

Keywords: In vitro, cytotoxicity, mswaki, human gingival fibroblasts

Tanzania Dental Journal Vol. 14 (2) 2007: pp. 59-64