Comparable Effects of Polyhexanide and Chlorhexidine on Cell Viability of Primary Human Chondrocytes

Abstract

SummaryIn septic orthopaedic surgery, one of the most common used antiseptics is polyhexanide, in contrast to chlorhexidine. Our hypothesis was that the use of low concentrated chlorhexidine has the same toxic effects on human chondrocytes as does treatment with polyhexanide. Human chondrocytes were isolated and cultured and 0.04% polyhexanide, 2% chlorhexidine or 0.1% chlorhexidine were added to the cultures. Toxicity analyses were performed by visualization of cell structure and quantification of LDH activity. Determination of vital chondrocytes was investigated by CellCounter and by fluorescence microscopy. Light microscopic data revealed cell structure defects and change of cell morphology after antiseptic treatment. A significant increase of LDH enzyme activity was shown after treatments with 0.04% polyhexanide and 0.1% chlorhexidine if compared to control. The determination of vital chondrocytes showed a significant decrease. Both antiseptics induce significant cell death of chondrocytes. No significant differences of toxic potential after the treatments with 0.04% polyhexanide and 0.1% chlorhexidine were found.