Oleuropein as a potential enhancer of maxillofacial flap healing: in vitro evidence from fibroblast cultures

Abstract

For successful integration and healing, maxillofacial surgical flaps require robust cellular activity and neovascularization. This study aimed to assess the potential of oleuropein as a safe enhancer of maxillofacial flap healing by examining its effects on human dermal fibroblast survival in vitro. Oleuropein is a phenolic compound with tissue-repairing properties. Methods: HDFa, or human dermal fibroblasts, were cultured under controlled conditions. To identify dose-dependent effects, the cells were exposed to concentrations of 10 to 200 µM oleuropein. Metabolic activity and cellular viability were measured using the MTT colorimetric assay. A positive cytotoxicity control was performed using Triton X-100. Nonlinear regression was used to examine dose-response patterns, and one-way ANOVA was used to assess statistical differences. Results: Oleuropein therapy had no discernible effect on the viability of human dermal fibroblasts across the concentrations tested. All oleuropein-treated groups (10–200 µM) showed cell viability statistically similar to the control group ( P >0.05). In addition, nonlinear regression analysis showed no concentration-dependent decrease in cellular metabolic activity. In contrast, the cytotoxic effect of the Triton X-100 control was significant, confirming that the assay was responsive. Conclusion: Human dermal fibroblasts are biocompatible with oleuropein in vitro, and doses as high as 200 µM do not cause any harmful effects. These results demonstrate its cellular safety and suggest it could be a useful therapeutic agent for maxillofacial surgery, helping flaps survive and wounds heal.