Impact of red-lime and white-lime betel quid on oral cell lines: Cytotoxicity and effects on fibronectin and type I collagen expression.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Chewing betel quid is linked to an increased risk of oral cancer. This study investigates the effects of red-lime and white-lime betel quid extracts on oral cell lines, focusing on cytotoxicity and their influence on fibronectin and Type I collagen expression, which were crucial for oral tissue integrity and cancer development.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Four oral cell lines, human gingival fibroblasts, tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells, human periodontal ligament fibroblasts, and human fetal osteoblasts, were treated with red-lime and white-lime betel quid extracts. Cytotoxicity assays and Western blotting were used to assess cell viability and protein expression.

RESULTS

Both red-lime and white-lime betel quid extracts exhibited dose-dependent effects on all tested cell lines, with variations in sensitivity observed among cell types. Notably, red-lime betel quid exerted stronger cytotoxic effects on human gingival fibroblasts and human fetal osteoblasts. Red-lime betel quid increased fibronectin and Type I collagen in periodontal ligament fibroblasts but reduced both proteins in fetal osteoblasts. White-lime betel quid extract generally elevated fibronectin and decreased Type I collagen across cell lines.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals a nuanced, concentration-dependent impact of betel quid extracts on oral cells, with significant variability in cytotoxicity and changes in fibronectin and Type I collagen expression. These findings suggest that abrupt cessation of betel quid chewing can lead to dental issues such as mobile teeth. Red-lime betel quid uniquely affects periodontal ligament fibroblasts by increasing both fibronectin and Type I collagen.