Improved human gingival fibroblast response to titanium implants coated with ultraviolet-irradiated vitamin D precursor and vitamin E

Background and Objective Ultraviolet (UV)‐irradiated 7‐dehydrocholesterol (7‐DHC) and vitamin E (VitE)‐coated titanium (Ti) implants have a beneficial effect on bone cells. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) are the most abundant cells in periodontal tissues and are involved in the wound healing and repair. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of HGFs to Ti implants coated with UV‐irradiated 7‐DHC and VitE, for improved soft‐tissue integration of dental implants. Material and Methods Ti surfaces were coated with 7‐DHC and VitE, irradiated with UV light and incubated for 48 h at 23°C to allow cholecalciferol (D3) synthesis from 7‐DHC onto the Ti surface. HGFs were cultured on the modified surfaces and the influence of the coating on these cells was evaluated through the analysis of: (i) biocompatibility; (ii) the mRNA levels of genes involved in the composition and turnover of the extracellular matrix, the inflammatory response, periodontal bone resorption and wound healing; and (iii) the levels of MMP‐1 and TIMP‐1 proteins. Results We found a beneficial effect of UV‐irradiated 7‐DHC:VitE‐coated Ti implants on HGFs. Besides being biocompatible with HGFs, the UV‐irradiated 7‐DHC and VitE coating increased the levels of collagen III α1 and fibronectin mRNAs. and decreased the level of interleukin‐8 mRNA. TIMP‐1 was increased at both mRNA and protein levels in HGFs cultured on UV‐irradiated 7‐DHC:VitE‐coated Ti implants. Finally, the UV‐irradiated 7‐DHC and VitE coating decreased the level of RANKL mRNA in HGFs. Conclusion UV‐irradiated 7‐DHC:VitE‐coated Ti implants have a positive effect on HGFs in vitro by reducing the inflammatory response and extracellular matrix breakdown.