Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, cilt.26, sa.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Background: Squalene, a natural isoprenoid and an intermediate in cholesterol synthesis, has anti-inflammatory and skin-protective effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of squalene on the cellular viability of human gingival fibroblasts (HGF), and wound closure, the expression levels of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), type-I and type-III collagen in an in vitro wound healing model. Methods: Squalene was used at concentrations of 10 µM (SQ1 Group) and 100 µM (SQ2 Group). The cell viability cytotoxicity to HGF was assessed using the MTT assay at 24, 48, and 72 hours. Scratch assay was used to evaluate wound healing at baseline, 24, 48, and 72 hours. The expressions of TGF-β, VEGF, type-I and type-III collagen were evaluated using the ELISA at 24, 48 and 72 hours. Results: No cytotoxic effects were observed in groups. A significant reduction in remaining wound area was observed in the SQ2 group at 24 hours and in both the SQ1 and SQ2 groups at 48 hours compared to the control group (p < 0.05). TGF-β was higher in the SQ2 group compared to the control group at 24 hours (p < 0.05), and at 48 hours, TGF-β levels in the SQ1 group were higher than both the control and SQ2 groups (p < 0.05). In type-I collagen, at 48 hours, both SQ1 and SQ2 groups exhibited higher levels compared to the control (p < 0.05). Type-III collagen levels were greater in the SQ1 group than in both the SQ2 and control groups at 48 hours (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Considering its non-cytotoxic profile on HGF and its effects on TGF-β, type-I, and type-III collagen expression, squalene appears to facilitate wound healing by promoting wound closure.