Cerium Chloride Application Promotes Wound Healing and Cell Proliferation in Human Foreskin Fibroblasts

This study investigated the effect of cerium chloride (CeCl(3)) on cell migration and gene expression of human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF). HFF were exposed to three different CeCl(3) solutions (1%, 5% and 10%, w/v %) for three different time durations (1, 5 and 10 min). 72 h after exposure to CeCl(3), cell viability was assessed by MTT test. A scratch-wounded assay determined the cell migration and the width of the wound, measured at 24 h. Gene expression patterns for cyclins B1, D1 and E1 were analyzed by RT-PCR (p < 0.05, t-test). The viability proliferation increased at 1- and 5-min exposures for all CeCl(3) concentrations, in contrast to no treatment (p < 0.05 at 24 h). No influence of CeCl(3) was found after 10 min. The scratch assay showed increased cell migration up to 60% at 1 and 5 min after 24 h at 5% and 10%. Cyclin B1, D1 and E1 all showed upregulation, confirming an increase in cell proliferation. This study demonstrates that exposure time and concentration of CeCl(3) may have a positive effect on fibroblast viability and migration. Application of CeCl(3) may be beneficial as a cell-stimulating agent leading to therapeutic tissue fibrosis or more resistant tissue around teeth, when warranted, during different periodontal therapies.