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Gingival RAGE expression in calorie-restricted versus ad libitum-fed rats
John P Aris1, Megan C Elios, Enrique Bimstein
1Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0414, USA.
Journal of Periodontology
|June 25, 2010
Summary
Calorie restriction (CR) reduces the expression of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) in rat gingiva. This finding suggests CR may mitigate RAGE-associated inflammation and disease.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Cell Biology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is implicated in inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Elevated RAGE levels are linked to periodontal and cardiovascular diseases.
- RAGE is expressed in gingival epithelia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of calorie restriction (CR) on RAGE expression in rat gingiva.
- To test the hypothesis that CR reduces gingival RAGE levels compared to ad libitum (AL) feeding.
Main Methods:
- Male F344BN rats were assigned to CR or AL diets.
- Gingival tissues were collected at various ages (8, 18, 29, 38 months).
- Histologic and molecular analyses, including real-time RT-PCR for RAGE mRNA, were performed.
Main Results:
- RAGE was detected in gingival epithelial and endothelial cells in both CR and AL groups.
- Mean relative RAGE mRNA levels were significantly lower in the CR group compared to the AL group (P <0.05).
- No age-dependent differences in RAGE expression were observed.
Conclusions:
- Calorie restriction significantly reduces gingival RAGE expression in rats.
- This suggests a potential mechanism by which CR may offer protective effects against RAGE-mediated pathologies.
