PPARγ affects nitric oxide in human umbilical vein endothelial cells exposed to Porphyromonas gingivalis

Porphyromonas gingivalis induces nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ) has an anti-inflammation function, and its involvement in this NO induction process requires elucidation. Here, we focused on PPARγ expression in HUVECs exposed to P. gingivalis, and investigated its effects on NO synthesis.

HUVECs were time-dependently stimulated by P. gingivalis W83 for 0-24h. PPARγ expression was assessed at the mRNA and protein levels, and PPARγ activation was measured using dual-luciferase reporter assays. NO synthesis and NO synthase (NOS) expression in response to P. gingivalis were examined in HUVECs pretreated with representative PPARγ agonist (15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 10μM) or antagonist (GW9662 10μM). In addition, NO synthesis and NOS expression in the P. gingivalis infected and control groups were detected.

The PPARγ mRNA level in HUVECs increased after exposure to P. gingivalis for 1h and its protein level increased at 2h. Luciferase-induced PPARγ increased in P. gingivalis-exposed HUVECs. NO synthesis in the infected group at 4h, and in the PPARγ-activated group at 8h, was higher than that in controls. Inducible NOS increased in the infected and PPARγ-activated groups at 4 and 8h. The total endothelial NOS (eNOS) and phospho-eNOS levels were lower in the infected group than controls, but did not change in the PPARγ-activated group.

Activated PPARγ induces NO generation through the NOS pathway in HUVECs exposed to P. gingivalis.