5 alpha reductase activity in human gingiva and gingival fibroblasts in response to bacterial culture supernatants, using [14C]4-androstenedione as substrate

Targeting SRD5A1 and MMP-2/NLRP3/TGF-β1 axis alleviates the amlodipine-induced gingival hyperplasia in rats: Emerging role of saw palmetto and folic acid

Saw palmetto (SAW), the herbal drug used to treat prostatic hyperplasia, exerts its antiproliferative effects by blocking steroid 5 alpha-reductase (SRD5A1) activity, that has also been involved in gingival hyperplasia (GH) pathogenesis. Concurrently, folic acid (FA) could reduce GH prevalence via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, this study tended to assess the potential therapeutic efficacy of SAW, alone and along with FA, against amlodipine-induced gingival inflammation and overgrowth in rats. Rats were grouped into (CONT, AIGH, SAW, SAW-treated, FA-treated, and SAW + FA-treated). SAW and FA were administered once daily for 4 weeks. Gingival SRD5A1, CTGF, GSK-3β, and NLRP3 expressions, as well as T, DHT, MDA, TAC, ET-1, and MMP2 levels were determined. In addition, histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses of TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β1, and α-SMA were documented. Results declared that SAW and FA administration markedly ameliorated amlodipine-associated GH and may be presenting a novel therapeutic avenue in the future.

Porphyromonas gingivalis enhances the senescence-induced increase of 5-alpha reductase in gingival fibroblasts

OBJECTIVES

Aging is characterized by chronic inflammatory activity. Senescent cells increase with chronic inflammation and age-related pathologies, including periodontal disease. As a critical regulator of tissue inflammaging, we hypothesized that 5α reductase (5αR) is associated with periodontal disease and bacteria-induced senescence in gingival fibroblasts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We recruited 36 patients with periodontitis, measured 5αR immunohistochemically before and after periodontal treatment, and compared the expression of 5αR in gingival biopsies from 12 healthy individuals. We then tested the impact of Porphyromonas gingivalis on gingival fibroblasts treated with or without D-galactose-induced cell senescence. We treated primary gingival fibroblasts with D-galactose-supplemented media (0 µM, 50 µM, 100 µM, 1 mM, 10 mM, 50 mM) to induce senescence. The expression of type 1 and type 2 5αR was analyzed with real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry. The levels of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and MCP-1 in fibroblast cultures were evaluated by multiplex immunoassay.

RESULTS

In gingival biopsies from patients with periodontal disease, the expression of 5αR was significantly higher than in samples from individuals without periodontal disease (p < 0.001). Periodontal treatment significantly reduced the expression of 5αR in gingival tissues (p < 0.001) to levels comparable in healthy individuals. Gingival fibroblasts exposed to D-galactose-supplemented media had a dose-dependent and significant increase in 5αR expression (p < 0.001). P. gingivalis caused statistically higher type 1 and type 2 5αR expression in gingival fibroblast cells. This effect was exacerbated by the lower doses of D-galactose (p = 0.037). Cells infected with P. gingivalis produced significantly higher levels of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and MCP-1 (p < 0.05) regardless of the D-galactose exposure.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that 5αR plays a role in periodontal disease and mediates the senescence-induced response to P. gingivalis in gingival fibroblasts.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Periodontal diseases and aging can increase the production of 5-alpha reductase in the gingival tissue.

Sex Steroid Hormones as a Balancing Factor in Oral Host Microbiome Interactions

Sex steroid hormones (SSH) are cholesterol-derived molecules. They are secreted into saliva and enter the oral cavity, triggering physiological responses from oral tissues, with possible clinical implications, such as gingival inflammation and bleeding. SSH and hormonal changes affect not only oral host cells but also oral microorganisms.

Historically, most research has focused on the effect of hormonal changes on specific bacteria and yeasts. Recently a broader effect of SSH on oral microorganisms was suggested. In order to assess the role of SSH in host-microbe interactions in the oral cavity, this review focuses on how and up to what extent SSH can influence the composition and behavior of the oral microbiome. The available literature was reviewed and a comprehensive hypothesis about the role of SSH in host-microbiome interactions is presented. The limited research available indicates that SSH may influence the balance between the host and its microbes in the oral cavity.

A Comparative Analysis of Pre- and Postmenopausal Females with Periodontitis and Its Response to a Non Invasive Clinical Approach

Objectives

The influence of sex steroid hormones on periodontium can be knockdown with good plaque control. The aim of the present study was to evaluate periodontal status in pre- and postmenopausal women with periodontitis following non-surgical therapy.

Methods

Total 60 female patients' periodontal status was measured by periodontal index (PRI), and oral hygiene status was measured by plaque index (PI). Both the parameters were measured at baseline i.e. before scaling and root planing and after 3 months intervals post treatment. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.

Results

The mean PRI scores in premenopausal group were 5.68 ± 0.64 and 2.53 ± 0.13, and PI scores were 1.84 ± 0.17 and 0.91 ± 0.13 respectively at baseline and 3 months. The mean PRI scores in postmenopausal group were 6.08 ± 0.46 and 2.55 ± 0.12, and PI scores were 1.86 ± 0.24 and 1.00 ± 0.24 respectively at baseline and 3 months.

Conclusions

There was more desirable response to non-surgical periodontal therapy in both the groups but not significant variation in between two groups.

Association between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Gut Microbiota

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most frequent endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age. It is difficult to treat PCOS because of its complex etiology and pathogenesis. Here, we characterized the roles of gut microbiota on the pathogenesis and treatments in letrozole (a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor) induced PCOS rat model. Changes in estrous cycles, hormonal levels, ovarian morphology and gut microbiota by PCR-DGGE and real-time PCR were determined. The results showed that PCOS rats displayed abnormal estrous cycles with increasing androgen biosynthesis and exhibited multiple large cysts with diminished granulosa layers in ovarian tissues. Meanwhile, the composition of gut microbiota in letrozole-treated rats was different from that in the controls. Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus and Clostridium were lower while Prevotella was higher in PCOS rats when compared with control rats. After treating PCOS rats with Lactobacillus and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from healthy rats, it was found that the estrous cycles were improved in all 8 rats in FMT group, and in 6 of the 8 rats in Lactobacillus transplantation group with decreasing androgen biosynthesis. Their ovarian morphologies normalized. The composition of gut microbiota restored in both FMT and Lactobacillus treated groups with increasing of Lactobacillus and Clostridium, and decreasing of Prevotella. These results indicated that dysbiosis of gut microbiota was associated with the pathogenesis of PCOS. Microbiota interventions through FMT and Lactobacillus transplantation were beneficial for the treatments of PCOS rats.

Effect of menopause on women's periodontium

Steroid sex hormones have a significant effect on different organ systems. As far as gingiva is concerned, they can influence the cellular proliferation, differentiation and growth of keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Estrogen is mainly responsible for alterations in blood vessels and progesterone stimulates the production of inflammatory mediators. In addition, some micro-organisms found in the human mouth synthesize enzymes needed for steroid synthesis and catabolism. In women, during puberty, ovulation, pregnancy, and menopause, there is an increase in the production of sex steroid hormones which results in increased gingival inflammation, characterized by gingival enlargement, increased gingival bleeding, and cervicular fluid flow and microbial changes.

The influence of sex steroid hormones on gingiva of women

Steroid sex hormones have a significant effect on different organ systems. As far as gingiva are concerned, they can influence the cellular proliferation, differentiation and growth of keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Estrogen is mainly responsible for alterations in blood vessels and progesterone stimulates the production of inflammatory mediators. In addition, some micro-organisms found in the human mouth synthesize enzymes needed for steroid synthesis and catabolism. In women, during puberty, ovulation and pregnancy, there is an increase in the production of sex steroid hormones which results in increased gingival inflammation, characterized by gingival enlargement, increased gingival bleeding and crevicular fluid flow and microbial changes.