Proliferation and Migration of Oral Fibroblasts Activated by Stromal Vascular Fraction-derived Cells: An In Vitro Study

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Oral wound healing is a complex process that presents significant challenges in patient management. This study aimed to isolate and characterise stromal vascular fraction-derived cells (SVFs) from subcutaneous adipose tissue and investigate the effects of SVF-conditioned media (SVF-CM) on oral fibroblast proliferation and migration. METHODS: Subcutaneous adipose tissue was collected from 6 patients (aged 9-18 years) during iliac bone graft procedures. SVFs were evaluated for morphology, colony-forming ability, osteogenic differentiation and surface markers. Flow cytometry (passages 2) assessed MSC-specific markers. SVF-CM was collected from passage 2 SVFs and diluted to 0.1X, 0.5X, and 1X concentrations. Oral fibroblast proliferation, viability and migration were evaluated using cell counting, Live/Dead staining and scratch assays for 7 days. RESULTS: SVFs were successfully isolated from 33.33% of samples, showing spindle-shaped morphology and colony formation by day 14. Alizarin Red staining confirmed osteogenic differentiation. Flow cytometry showed partial expression of CD73, CD90, CD105 and negative expression of CD45, CD34 and HLA-DR. SVF-CM significantly enhanced oral fibroblast proliferation and migration in a dose-dependent manner. Live/Dead staining confirmed non-toxicity. CONCLUSION: SVF-CM promotes oral fibroblast proliferation and migration, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for enhancing oral wound healing. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: SVF-CM demonstrated non-toxicity and showed potential as a therapeutic agent for accelerated oral wound healing.