Hyaluronic Acid Modulates IL1β ‐Induced Cytokine Profile of Gingival Mesenchymal Stem Cells

ABSTRACT Aim Hyaluronic acid (HA) possesses anti‐inflammatory properties critical for periodontal wound healing. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the role of cross‐linked high‐molecular‐weight (HMW) HA on cytokine mRNA expression, cell viability and migration in IL‐1β‐stimulated gingival mesenchymal stem cells (gMSCs). Materials and Methods gMSCs were treated with IL‐1β (1 ng/mL), HA dilutions (1:2 and 1:4) or both. Cell viability was determined using the MTT assay at 24 h. Cell migration was assessed at 24 h using a wound‐healing assay. RNA was isolated on days 1 and 7, and mRNA expressions of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐1 and IL‐17 were evaluated via RT‐PCR. Results IL‐1β significantly reduced cell viability ( p < 0.01), while HA co‐treatment restored it to control levels ( p < 0.05) and increased wound closure after 8 h ( p < 0.05). IL‐1β, IL‐6 and IL‐8 mRNA expressions were up‐regulated by IL‐1β; HA significantly decreased their expression on days 1 and 7 ( p < 0.01), enhanced IL‐10 and suppressed IL‐17 ( p < 0.01). Conclusions HA suppressed pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8 and IL‐17) while up‐regulating IL‐10 in IL‐1β‐exposed gMSCs, restoring cell viability and accelerating wound closure under inflammatory conditions. These findings support the rationale for HA's clinical use in periodontal therapy.