Helium cold atmospheric pressure plasma, known for its potential therapeutic benefits, demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory effects on human gingival fibroblasts, according to new research published on March 3, 2025. The study, conducted by scientists J. S. Park, Y. I. Jeong, and B. H. Kim, reveals how exposure to helium plasma can alleviate inflammation often associated with periodontal diseases.
Periodontitis, characterized by inflammation affecting the tissues surrounding teeth, poses risks for serious dental complications and has connections to various systemic diseases. Researchers sought to understand whether helium (He) cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) could modulate inflammatory responses and reduce the incidence of ferroptosis—a regulated form of cell death caused by oxidative stress—in gingival fibroblast cells.
Using human gingival fibroblast-1 (HGF-1) cells, the research team applied erastin, known to induce inflammation, followed by He CAP exposure. The results were promising: He CAP treatment significantly reduced the mRNA levels of key inflammatory markers such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). "Erastin treatment increased the expression of the inflammatory cytokines iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β, TNFα, and IL-6 and ferroptosis-related genes NCOA4 but decreased GPX4 expression," the authors of the article stated, highlighting the detrimental impact of oxidative stress on gum health.
He CAP exposure not only counteracted these inflammatory effects but also improved mitochondrial functions within the cells. GPX4, an enzyme linked to cellular protection and redox balance, showed increased expression following plasma treatment, indicating potential recovery from oxidative stress-induced damage. The expression of nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4), associated with ferroptosis, was alleviated as well.
Other compelling findings included the restoration of the mitochondrial membrane potential. Mitochondria play a pivotal role in generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), and their dysfunction can exacerbate inflammatory conditions. The study demonstrated reduced ROS levels—both cytosolic and mitochondrial—after He CAP treatment, which could have far-reaching benefits for the management of periodontal diseases.
The scientists discovered through their controlled experiments with various exposure times and gas flows of He CAP, particularly at 4 slm for 15 seconds, yielded optimum results for reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines. For example, exposure to He CAP successfully restored the glutathione levels, which are often depleted during oxidative stress conditions, and decreased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA)—a marker for lipid peroxidation indicative of ferroptosis.
“These results suggest a potential association of He CAP with mitochondrial recovery and reduced inflammation and ferroptosis in oral cells," wrote the authors of the article. Their research indicates the therapy’s capability to restore normal cellular function, offering hope for advanced treatment options targeting gum disease and its systemic connections.
With periodontitis affecting about 47% of adults aged 30 years and older, the findings of this study provide insight to not just the oral health community but also to those interested in the interplay between systemic diseases and chronic inflammation. Further research could pave the way for clinical applications, exploring the full potential of He CAP as a novel therapeutic modality.
These advances highlight the integration of innovative technologies like cold atmospheric plasma within biomedical applications, especially when traditional treatment methods for periodontitis often fall short. If successfully translated to clinical practice, He CAP could represent significant progress toward enhancing treatment protocols and health outcomes for patients suffering from periodontal diseases.
### Conclusion
The research underscored the importance of addressing inflammation and oxidative stress within periodontal health and the promise of He CAP as an effective therapeutic intervention. Continued exploration will be necessary to fully understand the mechanisms by which this technology can optimize oral tissue regeneration and health, potentially mitigating conditions linked with periodontal disease.