Purpose: Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is widely used in medical fields because it shortens the time required for biologic wound healing in fracture treatment. Also, in dental fields, LIPUS should be effectively employed for implant treatment. However, most of the relevant reports have been published on its effects on bone formation around implants, and the effects of LIPUS on soft tissue healing remain unclear. In the present study, we examined the effects of LIPUS on soft tissue healing using gingival epithelial cells. Methods: Gingival epithelial cells were cultured on a dish, followed by LIPUS exposure at a frequency of 3 MHz for 15 min. The cells were counted with a hemocytometer, and a scratch assay was conducted by measuring the closing area of the scratch wound using a micro- scope. Following LIPUS exposure, total RNA was collected for microarray analysis. In addition, real-time PCR was performed to examine the mRNA expression level of integrin a6b4. Furthermore, total protein was collected to examine the protein expression level of integrin a6b4 by western blotting. Results: The cell count and scratch assay demonstrated that LIPUS exposure promoted cell proliferation and scratch-wound closure. Microarray analysis demonstrated the increased expression levels of adhesion-related genes, including integrin. Real-time PCR analysis demonstrated that LIPUS exposure significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression level of integrin a6b4. Western blotting showed intense staining of integrin a6b4. Conclusion: LIPUS exposure promotes wound closure in the scratch assay and up-regulates the expression level of integrin a6b4 as compared with the control.
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