Periodontal pathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans LPS induces mitochondria-dependent-apoptosis in human
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo, 2-870-1, Sakaecho-Nishi, Matsudo, Chiba 271-8587, Japan. yingli3051@263.net
Objective:
Increasing evidence suggests an association between periodontal disease and low birthweight (LBW); however the underlying molecular mechanisms are yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, we performed a microarray analysis to observe the human placental trophoblast-like BeWo cells response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from periodontopathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), in order to investigate the molecular basis of mechanisms for periodontitis-associated LBW. In vivo pregnant rats were also used to confirm the in vitro results.
Study Design:
The effects of Aa-LPS on cultured human placental trophoblast-like BeWo cells were studied using a DNA microarray, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, real-time PCR and poly-caspase staining. The in vivo effects of Aa-LPS in pregnant rats were examined using TUNEL assays.
Results:
In BeWo cells, Aa-LPS increased levels of cytochrome c, caspase 2, caspase 3, caspase 9 and BCL2-antagonist/killer 1 mRNA, decreased those of B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2, BCL2-like 1 and catalase mRNA and increased poly-caspase activity, all of which are consistent with activation of the mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway. TUNEL assays confirmed the increased incidence of apoptosis in placentas of Aa-LPS-treated rats (p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Aa-LPS induces apoptosis in human trophoblasts via the mitochondria-dependent pathway, and this effect may contribute to the pathogenesis of periodontitis-associated LBW.
