3D TECA hydrogel reduces cellular senescence and enhances fibroblasts migration in wound healing

This study was designed to investigate the effect of 3D TECA hydrogel on the inflammatory-induced senescence marker, and to assess the influence of the gel on the periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs) migration in wound healing in vitro. PDLFs were cultured with 20 ng/ml TNF-α to induce inflammation in the presence and absence of 50 µM 3D TECA gel for 14 d. The gel effect on the senescence maker secretory associated-β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity was measured by a histochemical staining. Chromatin condensation and DNA synthesis of the cells were assessed by 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine fluorescent staining respectively. For evaluating fibroblasts migration, scratch wound healing assay and Pro-Plus Imaging software were used. The activity of senescence marker, SA-β-gal, was positive in the samples with TNF-α-induced inflammation. SA-β-gal percentage is suppressed (>65%, P < 0.05) in the treated cells with TECA gel as compared to the non-treated cells. Chromatin foci were obvious in the non-treated samples. DNA synthesis was markedly recognized by the fluorescent staining in the treated compared to non-treated cultures. Scratch wound test indicated that the cells migration rate was significantly higher (14.9 µm(2)/h, P < 0.05) in the treated versus (11 µm(2)/h) for control PDLFs. The new formula of 3D TECA suppresses the inflammatory-mediated cellular senescence and enhanced fibroblasts proliferation and migration. Therefore, 3D TECA may be used as an adjunct to accelerate repair and healing of periodontal tissues.