Prevotella intermedia induces matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in human periodontal ligament cells

Su-Min Guan1, Lei Shu, Shan-Min Fu

  • 1Department of Oral Biology, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.

Insights

Prevotella intermedia, a key periodontal pathogen, significantly increases matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in human periodontal ligament cells. This MMP-9 induction, crucial in chronic periodontitis, occurs independently of MAPK signaling pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Oral biology and microbiology
  • Immunology and inflammation

Background:

  • Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are critical in inflammatory diseases like chronic periodontitis.
  • Prevotella intermedia is recognized as a significant pathogen in periodontal disease progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of Prevotella intermedia on matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) production in human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells.
  • To elucidate the signaling pathway involved in MMP-9 induction by P. intermedia.

Main Methods:

  • Human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells were exposed to Prevotella intermedia supernatant.
  • MMP-9 mRNA expression was quantified using reverse transcriptase PCR.
  • MMP-9 protein secretion was assessed via gelatin zymography.
  • The role of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) was evaluated using specific inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • Prevotella intermedia supernatant dose- and time-dependently induced MMP-9 expression in hPDL cells.
  • Porphyromonas gingivalis, E. coli lipopolysaccharide, and IL-1beta did not stimulate MMP-9 production.
  • MAPK pathway inhibitors did not affect P. intermedia-induced MMP-9 production, suggesting an independent pathway.

Conclusions:

  • Prevotella intermedia actively induces MMP-9 production in hPDL cells.
  • This induction mechanism is independent of the MAPK signaling pathway.
  • P. intermedia may play a direct role in periodontal tissue destruction in chronic periodontitis via MMP-9 upregulation.