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The effects of methyl mercaptan on epithelial cell growth and proliferation
T Setoguchi1, M Machigashira, M Yamamoto
1Department of Periodontology, Kagoshima University Dental School, Sakuragaoka, Japan. setogu@dentb.hal.kagoshima-u.ac.jp
Aim:
Previous studies have demonstrated that methyl mercaptan (CH3SH), one of the main causes of oral malodour, might contribute to the initiation and progression of periodontal disease. These studies suggested that CH3SH may affect the epithelial cells of the gingival crevice, which form a barrier to the penetration of microbial substances. In this study, the effects of CH3SH on the epithelial cells and gingival fibroblasts were investigated.
Method:
Human oral epithelial carcinoma cell line (KB), human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line (HSC-2), and human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) derived from healthy gingiva were used in this study. These cells were cultured in conditions of 5% CO2/95% air with or without CH3SH (10 ng/ml or 50 ng/ml) for 5 days. Cell numbers, proliferation and cytotoxicity were evaluated.
Results:
CH3SH inhibited epithelial cell growth and proliferation at the concentration of 50 ng/ml, and a cytotoxic effect of CH3SH was also noted. On the other hand, HGF cells were not affected by 50 ng/ml CH3SH.
Conclusion:
High concentrations of CH3SH such as 50 ng/ml have an inhibitory effect on the growth and proliferation of epithelial cells, but not on those of fibroblasts.
Insights
Methyl mercaptan (CH3SH), a cause of bad breath, inhibits oral epithelial cell growth and proliferation at high concentrations. However, it does not affect gingival fibroblasts, suggesting a specific impact on the oral barrier.
Area of Science:
- Oral biology
- Periodontal research
- Cell biology
Background:
- Methyl mercaptan (CH3SH) is a key contributor to oral malodor.
- CH3SH may play a role in periodontal disease initiation and progression.
- CH3SH might impact gingival crevice epithelial cells, which form a protective barrier.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of CH3SH on oral epithelial cells and gingival fibroblasts.
- To determine if CH3SH influences cell growth, proliferation, and cytotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized human oral epithelial cell lines (KB, HSC-2) and human gingival fibroblasts (HGF).
- Cultured cells with or without CH3SH (10 ng/ml or 50 ng/ml) for 5 days.
- Assessed cell numbers, proliferation rates, and cytotoxicity.
Main Results:
- CH3SH at 50 ng/ml significantly inhibited epithelial cell growth and proliferation.
- A cytotoxic effect of CH3SH on epithelial cells was observed at 50 ng/ml.
- Human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) showed no adverse effects when exposed to 50 ng/ml CH3SH.
Conclusions:
- High concentrations of CH3SH (50 ng/ml) inhibit oral epithelial cell growth and proliferation.
- CH3SH does not affect the viability or proliferation of gingival fibroblasts.
- These findings highlight CH3SH's potential to compromise the oral epithelial barrier in periodontal disease.