The human periodontal ligament cell: a fibroblast-like cell acting as an immune cell

Upregulated Leptin in Periodontitis Promotes Inflammatory Cytokine Expression in Periodontal Ligament Cells

BACKGROUND

Imbalance or disruption in the expression of inflammatory mediators contributes greatly to the breakdown of the periodontal supporting tissues. Leptin, through binding to its receptor (obesity-related leptin and leptin receptor [OBR]), has potent effects on immunity and inflammation. However, to date, researchers only indicated a role of leptin in periodontitis. No direct or valid evidence exists about how leptin and its receptor are regulated by local inflammation, what effects they have, and the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Experimental periodontitis was induced by ligation of mandibular second molars in beagle dogs. The expression of leptin, OBR, and interleukin (IL)-1β was examined by immunohistochemistry. Meanwhile, recombinant human IL-1β was used to stimulate human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) in vitro, and mRNA and protein levels of leptin were measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Then, mRNA and protein levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were measured using real-time PCR and ELISA, after stimulation with various concentrations of leptin, knocking down all or only the long form of OBR (OBRb) by small interfering RNA and incubation with multiple intracellular signaling pathway inhibitors, respectively.

RESULTS

Leptin and OBR increased substantially in inflammatory periodontal tissues, which correlated well with the extent of inflammatory infiltration, and was a result of the upregulation in resident cells themselves. A high dose of leptin could induce the expression of mRNA and protein of IL-6 and IL-8 in hPDLCs through binding with OBRb and activating different intracellular signaling pathways.

CONCLUSION

Upregulated leptin and OBR in periodontitis stimulated proinflammatory cytokine expression in PDL cells to additionally promote local inflammation.

1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 promotes osteogenic activity and downregulates proinflammatory cytokine expression in human periodontal ligament cells

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (vitamin D3) on osteogenic and inflammatory properties of human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells and investigate underlying mechanisms.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Human PDL cells, obtained from four subjects, were stimulated with vitamin D3 for 4-48 h. The bone markers osteopontin and osteocalcin and proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine expression was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cytokine and chemokine expression was determined after stimulation with the inflammation promoter lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the presence or absence of vitamin D3. Alkaline phosphatase activity was assessed using p-nitrophenylphosphate substrate.

RESULTS

Treatment with 30 ng/mL of vitamin D3, corresponding to an optimal plasma concentration of vitamin D, for 24 h had no effect on PDL cell number and morphology but increased PDL cell osteopontin and osteocalcin mRNA expression by about 70 and 40%, respectively, and, moreover, treatment with vitamin D3 for 48 h enhanced PDL cell alkaline phosphatase activity by about two times showing that vitamin D3 exerts pro-osteogenic effects in human PDL cells. Stimulation with LPS (1 μg/mL) for 4 h increased PDL cell interleukin (IL)-6 cytokine and chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1) chemokine mRNA expression several fold. The LPS-induced increase in IL-6 and CXCL1 transcripts was attenuated by vitamin D3 (30 ng/mL). Treatment with vitamin D3 (3-300 ng/mL) for 24 h reduced the LPS-evoked increase in PDL cell IL-6 protein by about 50%. Vitamin D3 (30 ng/mL) had no effect on LPS-induced IL-1β and MCP-1 mRNA expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D3 promotes osteogenic differentiation but also downregulates inflammation promoter-induced IL-6 cytokine and CXCL1 chemokine expression in human PDL cells, suggesting that vitamin D3 both stimulates bone regeneration and antagonizes inflammation in human periodontal tissue.

The pro-apoptotic and pro-inflammatory effects of calprotectin on human periodontal ligament cells

Calprotectin, a heterodimer of S100A8 and S100A9 subunits, is associated with inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and cystic fibrosis. Although calprotectin levels are increased significantly in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of periodontitis patients, its effects on periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) remain largely unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate calprotectin levels in the GCF of generalized aggressive periodontitis (AgP) patients and to investigate the effects of recombinant human calprotectin (rhS100A8/A9) and its subunits (rhS100A8 and rhS100A9) in PDLCs. Both the concentration and amount of crevicular calprotectin were significantly higher in the AgP group compared with healthy controls. In addition, the GCF calprotectin levels were correlated positively with clinical periodontal parameters including bleeding index, probing depth, and clinical attachment loss. rhS100A8/A9 promoted cell apoptosis, whereas rhS100A8 and rhS100A9 individually exerted little effect on apoptosis in PDLCs. rhS100A9 and rhS100A8/A9 increased the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) by promoting the nuclear translocation of p65 in PDLCs, subsequently inducing expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, TNFα, and COX2. Treatment with an NF-κB inhibitor partially reversed the rhS100A9- and rhS100A8/A9-induced upregulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines. rhS100A9, and not rhS100A8, was mainly responsible for the pro-inflammatory role of calprotectin. Collectively, our results suggest that calprotectin promotes apoptosis and the inflammatory response in PDLCs via rhS100A9. These findings might help identify novel treatments for periodontitis.

Effect of vitamin C administration on hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity in periodontal ligament cells

Periodontitis is a disease, which is associated with chronic inflammation and leads to significant destruction of periodontal tissues. Periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) constitute the largest cell population in PDL tissues and a considerable body of evidence has demonstrated an association between oxidative stress and the progression of periodontitis. However, the effects on PDLCs exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the molecular mechanisms by which H2O2 affects periodontitis remain to be elucidated. In the present study, the potential cytotoxic effect of H2O2 and the antioxidative function of vitamin C (Vc) in PDLCs were investigated. The results demonstrated that H2O2 treatment decreased the viability of PDLCs. The decreased PDLC viability was primarily induced by apoptosis, which was evidenced by cleaved caspases-3, caspases-9 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. Following optimal Vc addition, the proapoptotic effects of H2O2 were partially antagonized. Taken together, the present study demonstrated that H2O2 primarily induced the apoptosis of PDLCs and that these adverse effects were partially rescued following treatment with Vc. These results revealed how H2O2 promotes the progression of periodontitis and provide an improved understanding of the reversal effect of antioxidant treatment. Therefore, optimal Vc administration may provide a potentially effective technique in periodontal therapy.

Endocannabinoids and inflammatory response in periodontal ligament cells

Endocannabinoids are associated with multiple regulatory functions in several tissues. The main endocannabinoids, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG), have been detected in the gingival crevicular fluid of periodontitis patients, but the association between periodontal disease or human periodontal ligament cells (hPdLCs) and endocannabinoids still remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of AEA and 2-AG on the proliferation/viability and cytokine/chemokine production of hPdLCs in the presence/absence of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (P. gingivalis LPS). The proliferation/viability of hPdLCs was measured using 3,4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT)-assay. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) levels were examined at gene expression and protein level by real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively. AEA and 2-AG did not reveal any significant effects on proliferation/viability of hPdLCs in the absence of P. gingivalis LPS. However, hPdLCs viability was significantly increased by 10–20 µM AEA in the presence of P. gingivalis LPS (1 µg/ml). In the absence of P. gingivalis LPS, AEA and 2-AG did not exhibit any significant effect on the expression of IL-8 and MCP-1 expression in hPdLCs, whereas IL-6 expression was slightly enhanced by 10 µM 2-AG and not affected by AEA. In P.gingivalis LPS stimulated hPdLCs, 10 µM AEA down-regulated gene-expression and protein production of IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1. In contrast, 10 µM 2-AG had an opposite effect and induced a significant up-regulation of gene and protein expression of IL-6 and IL-8 (P<0.05) as well as gene-expression of MCP-1 in P. gingivalis LPS stimulated hPdLCs. Our data suggest that AEA appears to have an anti-inflammatory and immune suppressive effect on hPdLCs’ host response to P.gingivalis LPS, whereas 2-AG appears to promote detrimental inflammatory processes. In conclusion, AEA and 2-AG might play an important role in the modulation of periodontal inflammation.

Both 25-hydroxyvitamin-D3 and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D3 reduces inflammatory response in human periodontal ligament cells

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease leading to the destruction of periodontal tissue. Vitamin D3 is an important hormone involved in the preservation of serum calcium and phosphate levels, regulation of bone metabolism and inflammatory response. Recent studies suggest that vitamin D3 metabolism might play a role in the progression of periodontitis. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of 25(OH)D3, which is stable form of vitamin D3 in blood, and biologically active form 1,25(OH)2D3 on the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) by cells of periodontal ligament. Commercially available human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (hPdLF) and primary human periodontal ligament cells (hPdLC) were used. Cells were stimulated with either Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or heat-killed P. ginigvalis in the presence or in the absence of 25(OH)D3 or 1,25(OH)2D3 at concentrations of 10-100 nM. Stimulation of cells with either P. gingivalis LPS or heat-killed P. gingivalis resulted in a significant increase of the expression levels of IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 in gene as well as in protein levels, measured by qPCR and ELISA, respectively. The production of these pro-inflammatory mediators in hPdLF was significantly inhibited by both 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 in a dose-dependent manner. In primary hPdLCs, both 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 inhibited the production of IL-8 and MCP-1 but have no significant effect on the IL-6 production. The effect of both 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 was abolished by specific knockdown of vitamin D3 receptor by siRNA. Our data suggest that vitamin D3 might play an important role in the modulation of periodontal inflammation via regulation of cytokine production by cells of periodontal ligament. Further studies are required for better understanding of the extents of this anti-inflammatory effect and its involvement in the progression of periodontal disease.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 expression induced by lipopolysaccharide of Porphyromonas gingivalis in human gingival fibroblast

In the gingival tissues of patients with periodontitis, inflammatory responses are mediated by a wide variety of genes. In our previous screening study, plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) mRNA binding protein expression was increased in gingiva from periodontitis patients. In this study, we further investigated the signaling pathway involved in PAI-1 expression induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS (Pg LPS) in human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). When HGFs were treated with Pg LPS, both PAI-1 mRNA expression and PAI-1 protein were induced in a dose-dependent manner. Pg LPS induced NF-κB activation and the expressions of PAI-1 mRNA and protein were suppressed by pretreating with a NF-κB inhibitor. Pg LPS also induced ERK, p38, and JNK activation, and Pg LPS-induced PAI-1 expression was inhibited by ERK/p38/JNK inhibitor pretreatment. In conclusion, Pg LPS induced PAI-1 expression through NF-κB and MAP kinases activation in HGF.

Fusobacterium nucleatum activates the immune response through retinoic acid-inducible gene I

Retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) is a cytosolic pattern recognition receptor involved in the sensing of RNA viruses and the initiation of antiviral responses. Fusobacterium nucleatum, a Gram-negative anaerobic bacterium associated with periodontal disease, is capable of invading cells. We hypothesized that F. nucleatum's ability to invade cells allows the microorganism to activate the immune response through RIG-I. Bacterial invasion was found to be necessary for F. nucleatum-induced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation. Following invasion of the human periodontal ligament fibroblast (PDLF), F. nucleatum was located in the cytosol. F. nucleatum infection led to an 80-fold increase in RIG-I expression. Silencing RIG-I in PDLF by siRNA led to a significant decrease of NF-κB activation and expression of proinflammatory genes. Additionally, F. nucleatum was able to secrete nucleic acids, and introduction of F. nucleatum RNA into PDLF led to a RIG-I-dependent activation of NF-κB. Our findings showed RIG-I to be involved in the recognition of F. nucleatum. The function of RIG-I is likely to be broad and not limited to sensing of viruses only. Hence, this receptor may play an important role in detecting invasive forms of oral pathogens and contribute to inflammation in periodontal tissues.

Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS inhibits osteoblastic differentiation and promotes pro-inflammatory cytokine production in human periodontal ligament stem cells

OBJECTIVE

Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1 β (IL-1β), IL-6, and IL-8, which induce periodontal tissue destruction. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) play an important role in periodontal tissue regeneration and are expected to have future applications in cellular therapies for periodontitis. However, no studies have examined the effects of P. gingivalis LPS on PDLSCs. The aim of this study was to investigate how P. gingivalis LPS affects the osteoblastic differentiation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production of PDLSCs.

DESIGN

PDLSCs were obtained from healthy adult human mandibular third molars. The identification of PDLSCs was confirmed by immunohistochemical evaluations of the mesenchymal stem cell markers STRO-1 and SSEA-4. Cell proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation were investigated by culturing the PDLSCs in a normal or osteogenic medium with P. gingivalis LPS (0, 1, or 10μg/mL) and then measuring the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and the production of collagen type 1 Alpha 1 (COL1A1), osteocalcin production, and mineralisation. Additionally, we examined the production of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 in the PDLSCs.

RESULTS

P. gingivalis LPS inhibited the ALP activity, COL1A1 and osteocalcin production, and mineralisation in the PDLSCs, which are positive for STRO-1 and SSEA-4. P. gingivalis LPS also promoted cell proliferation and produced IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides the first findings that P. gingivalis LPS inhibits osteoblastic differentiation and induces pro-inflammatory cytokines in PDLSCs. These findings will help clarify the relationship between periodontitis and periodontal tissue regeneration.

Resolvin D1 protects periodontal ligament

Resolution agonists are endogenous mediators that drive inflammation to homeostasis. We earlier demonstrated in vivo activity of resolvins and lipoxins on regenerative periodontal wound healing. The goal of this study was to determine the impact of resolvin D1 (RvD1) on the function of human periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts, which are critical for wound healing during regeneration of the soft and hard tissues around teeth. Primary cells were cultured from biopsies obtained from three individuals free of periodontal diseases. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated by density gradient centrifugation from whole blood of healthy volunteers. PGE2, leukotriene B4 (LTB4), and lipoxin A4 (LXA4) in culture supernatants were measured by ELISA. The direct impact of RvD1 on PDL fibroblast proliferation was measured and wound closure was analyzed in vitro using a fibroblast culture "scratch assay." PDL fibroblast function in response to RvD1 was further characterized by basic FGF production by ELISA. IL-1β and TNF-α enhanced the production of PGE2. Treatment of PDL cells and monocytes with 0.1-10 ng/ml RvD1 (0.27-27 M) reduced cytokine induced production of PGE2 and upregulated LXA4 production by both PDL cells and monocytes. RvD1 significantly enhanced PDL fibroblast proliferation and wound closure as well as basic FGF release. The results demonstrate that anti-inflammatory and proresolution actions of RvD1 with upregulation of arachidonic acid-derived endogenous resolution pathways (LXA4) and suggest resolution pathway synergy establishing a novel mechanism for the proresolution activity of the ω-3 docosahexaenoic acid-derived resolution agonist RvD1.

Differential effects of LPS from Escherichia coli and Porphyromonas gingivalis on IL-6 production in human periodontal ligament cells

OBJECTIVE

Periodontal ligament (PDL) cells produce IL-6 upon stimulation with inflammation promoters, but the signaling pathways involved have not been characterized. This study investigates underlying mechanisms behind regulation of PDL cell IL-6 production by E. coli and P. gingivalis LPS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human PDL cells, endothelial cells and monocytes were stimulated with E. coli or P. gingivalis LPS in the presence or absence of pharmacological agents in order to disclose pathways involved in LPS signaling. Gene expression and cellular protein levels were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively.

RESULTS

Stimulation with LPS from E. coli (1 µg/ml) for 24 h enhanced PDL cell IL-6 expression several fold, demonstrated both on transcript and protein levels, but P. gingivalis LPS (1-5 µg/ml) had no effect. TLR2 mRNA was more highly expressed than TLR4 transcript in PDL cells. Treatment with the non-selective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME (100 µM) reduced E. coli LPS-induced PDL cell IL-6 by 30%, while neither aminoguanidine (10 µM), an inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide synthase, nor estrogen (17β-estradiol, 100 nM) influenced IL-6. Treatment with the glucocorticoid dexamethasone (1 µM) totally prevented the E. coli LPS-induced PDL cell IL-6. In endothelial cells, neither E. coli LPS nor P. gingivalis LPS promoted IL-6 production. In monocytes, serving as positive control, both E. coli and P. gingivalis LPS stimulated IL-6.

CONCLUSIONS

E. coli LPS but not P. gingivalis LPS stimulates PDL cell IL-6 production through a glucocorticoid-sensitive mechanism involving nitric oxide formation, probably via endothelial nitric oxide synthase.

Functional characterization of the parathyroid hormone 1 receptor in human periodontal ligament cells

OBJECTIVES

Intermittent parathyroid hormone (PTH) exerts anabolic effects on bone and has been approved for osteoporosis therapy. The dual actions of PTH are mediated primarily through the parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (PTH1R). Upon ligand binding, PTH1R activates diverse signaling pathways, including cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA)- and phospholipase C/protein kinase C (PLC/PKC)-dependent pathways. PTH1R has been abundantly studied in bone cells. Knowledge on PTH1R characteristics and physiology in periodontal ligament (PDL) cells is still in its infancy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We characterized PTH1R in PDL cells in terms of its cellular localization, binding affinity, and signal transduction and compared these characteristics to those of MG63 osteoblast-like cells.

RESULTS

PTH1R mRNA/protein was identified in PDL and MG63 cells. PTH1R was mainly localized on the plasma membrane, in vesicular structures inside the cell, and, to some extent, in the nucleus of both cell types. Binding characteristics of PTH1R were cell type specific, with PDL cells demonstrating a lower binding affinity. The response of cAMP and active PKC production in MG63 cells was dose dependent with increasing PTH(1-34) concentration, whereas in PDL cells, it was regulated biphasically. However, we observed a cross talk between the cAMP/PKA and PLC/PKC signaling pathways, which were regulated diametrically opposed at a given concentration of PTH(1-34).

CONCLUSION

These data indicate that, albeit the similarity in its subcellular distribution, PTH1R in PDL cells exhibits characteristics different from those in MG63 cells, pointing to the cell type specificity of this receptor.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The findings further elucidate the characteristics of PTH action in dental tissues and widen the theoretical basis for the development of anabolic treatment strategies.

An autologous platelet-rich plasma stimulates periodontal ligament regeneration

BACKGROUND

Regeneration of periodontal tissues is one of the most important goals for the treatment of periodontal disease. The technology of plasma rich in growth factors provides a biologic approach for the stimulation and acceleration of tissue healing. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the biologic effects of this technology on primary human periodontal ligament fibroblasts.

METHODS

The authors studied the response of periodontal ligament cells to this pool of growth factors on cell proliferation, cell migration, secretion of several biomolecules, cell adhesion, and expression of α2 integrin. Cell proliferation and adhesion were evaluated by means of a fluorescence-based method. Cell migration was performed on culture inserts. The release of different biomolecules by periodontal ligament fibroblasts was quantified through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The α2 integrin expression was assessed through Western blot.

RESULTS

This autologous technology significantly stimulated cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, and synthesis of many growth factors from cells including vascular endothelial growth factor, thrombospondin 1, connective tissue growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, and procollagen type I. The α2 integrin expression was lower in plasma rich in growth factor-treated cells compared to non-stimulated cells, although no statistically significant differences were observed.

CONCLUSION

This plasma rich in growth factors exerts positive effects on periodontal ligament fibroblasts, which could be positive for periodontal regeneration.

Antimicrobial peptide LL37 promotes vascular endothelial growth factor-A expression in human periodontal ligament cells

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

LL37, originally found in the innate immune system, is a robust antimicrobial peptide. LL37 exhibits multiple bio-functions in various cell types, such as migration, cytokine production, apoptosis, and angiogenesis besides its antimicrobial activity Periodontal ligament (PL) cells play a pivotal role in periodontal tissue regeneration. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that LL37 can regulate PL cell function to promote regeneration of periodontal tissue. To prove this hypothesis, we investigated the effect of LL37 on the potent angiogenic inducer vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in cultures of human PL (HPL) cells because neovascularization is indispensable for the progress of tissue regeneration. Moreover, we investigated the signaling cascade associated with LL37-induced VEGF expression.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

HPL cells were treated with synthesized LL37 in the presence or absence of PD98059, a MEK-ERK inhibitor, or PDTC, an NF-κB inhibitor. VEGF expression levels were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis and an enzyme-linked immunoassay. Phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 or NF-κB p65 were determined by Western blotting.

RESULTS

LL37 upregulated VEGF-A expression at the mRNA and protein levels in HPL cells, while VEGF-B mRNA expression was not affected. Both ERK and NF-κB inhibitors clearly abrogated the increase in VEGF-A levels induced by LL37 in HPL cells. Importantly, LL37 increased phosphorylated levels of ERK1/2 and NF-κB p65 in HPL cells.

CONCLUSION

LL37 induces VEGF-A production in HPL cells via ERK and NF-κB signaling cascades, which may result in angiogenesis, thereby contributing to periodontal regeneration.

An oligodeoxynucleotide that induces differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to osteoblasts in vitro and reduces alveolar bone loss in rats with periodontitis

To investigate the effect of oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) on the differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to osteoblasts, in order to find a candidate ODN with potential for the treatment of periodontitis, a series of ODNs were designed and selected to test their effect on the promotion of the differentiation of BMSCs to osteoblasts in vitro and on the repair of periodontal tissue in rats with periodontitis. It was found that MT01, one of the ODNs with the sequences of human mitochondrial DNA, stimulated the proliferation of BMSCs, the differentiation of BMSCs to osteoblasts and mRNA expression of bone-associated factors including Runx2, Osterix, OPG, RANKL and collagen I in vitro. In vivo study showed that MT01 prevented the loss of alveolar bone in the rats with periodontitis and induced the production of proteins of OPG and Osterix in the bone tissue. These results indicated that MT01 could induce differentiation of BMSCs to osteoblasts and inhibit the alveolar bone absorption in rats with periodontitis.

The antimicrobial peptide LL-37 is anti-inflammatory and proapoptotic in human periodontal ligament cells

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The antimicrobial peptide LL-37 is expressed in periodontal tissue, and variations in LL-37 levels have been associated with periodontal disease. The effects of LL-37 on periodontal ligament cell function have not been described before. Here, we assess anti-inflammatory properties of LL-37 and investigate the effects of LL-37 on cell differentiation, cell proliferation and apoptosis in human periodontal ligament cells.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Periodontal ligament cells were obtained from teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons. Cytokine (interleukin-6) and chemokine (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) expression was determined by quantitative PCR, cell differentiation by alkaline phosphatase activity, cell proliferation by counting cells in a Bürker chamber, DNA synthesis by incorporation of radiolabeled thymidine and apoptosis by cell morphology and activated caspase 3 quantities.

RESULTS

Treatment with 0.1 and 1 μm of LL-37 totally reversed lipopolysaccharide-induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression and suppressed lipopolysaccharide-induced interleukin-6 expression by 50-70%. LL-37 had no effect on alkaline phosphatase activity. Incubation with 8 μm LL-37 strongly reduced cell number. DNA synthesis was attenuated by about 90% in response to 8 μm LL-37, confirming its antiproliferative effect. Cell morphology was altered in an apoptosis-like fashion in cells treated with 8 μm LL-37. Furthermore, the quantity of activated caspase 3 was increased in cells treated with 1 and 8 μm of LL-37, suggesting apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

LL-37 strongly attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine and chemokine expression and, in high concentrations, reduces cell proliferation through inhibition of DNA synthesis and by promoting apoptosis in human periodontal ligament cells.