Prevotella intermedia upregulates MMP-1 and MMP-8 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, 145 Chang Le Xi Road, Xi'an, China. jchsmg@fmmu.edu.cn

Insights

Prevotella intermedia, a periodontal pathogen, upregulates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) like MMP-1 and MMP-8. This process involves prostaglandin E2 and MAPK signaling, potentially leading to connective tissue destruction in periodontitis.

Area of Science:

  • Oral microbiology
  • Molecular biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Prevotella intermedia is a key pathogen in periodontitis.
  • It stimulates proinflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).
  • Previous work showed P. intermedia induces MMP-9 in human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of P. intermedia on other MMPs' expression in hPDL cells.
  • To elucidate the signaling pathways involved in P. intermedia-induced MMP upregulation.

Main Methods:

  • Semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR to analyze MMP mRNA expression.
  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot to confirm protein levels.
  • Inhibitors of cyclooxygenase (indomethacin), ERK (PD98059), JNK (SP600125), and p38 (SB203580) were used to study signaling pathways.

Main Results:

  • P. intermedia supernatant increased MMP-1 and MMP-8 mRNA and protein expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
  • Indomethacin significantly reduced P. intermedia-induced MMP-1 and MMP-8 upregulation.
  • PD98059 and SP600125 decreased MMP-1 levels, while SB203580 inhibited MMP-8 expression.

Conclusions:

  • P. intermedia upregulates MMP-1 and MMP-8 expression in hPDL cells.
  • Prostaglandin E2 and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways mediate this upregulation.
  • P. intermedia may contribute to periodontal tissue destruction by increasing MMP production.