Functional Differences In Gingival Fibroblasts Obtained from Young and Elderly Individuals

Area of Science:

• Cell biology
• Tissue engineering
• Gerontology

Background:

• Fibroblasts are crucial for wound repair, synthesizing growth factors and extracellular matrix.
• Cellular aging and individual factors can impair fibroblast function and tissue repair capacity.
• Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) is a key inflammatory cytokine influencing cellular processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the activity and TNF-a responsiveness of young (Y) versus elderly (E) gingival fibroblasts.
• To investigate age-related differences in fibroblast viability, protein, and collagen synthesis.
• To assess the impact of TNF-a on reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and CCL5 production in fibroblasts from different age groups.

Main Methods:

• Gingival fibroblasts were isolated from young and elderly patients.
• Cells were cultured and assessed for viability, total protein, and collagen synthesis over 72 hours.
• TNF-a (100 ng/mL) was applied for 24 hours to evaluate ROS, NO, and CCL5 production.

Main Results:

• Elderly fibroblasts showed higher viability at 24 and 48 hours but decreased over time.
• Young fibroblasts exhibited reduced collagen synthesis at 48 hours.
• Both young and elderly fibroblasts showed increased NO and CCL5 production in response to TNF-a, with no significant difference in ROS production.

Conclusions:

• Significant functional differences exist between young and elderly gingival fibroblasts.
• Fibroblast responsiveness to TNF-a varies with age, particularly in NO and CCL5 production.
• Age-related changes in fibroblast activity may impact wound healing efficacy.