Titanium nanoparticles potentially affect gingival tissue through IL-13α2 receptor expression.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials science
• Oral biology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Dental implants can release titanium nanoparticles.
• Potential effects on surrounding gingival tissue are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of titanium dioxide nanomaterials on gingival epithelial cells.
• To analyze changes in gene and promoter expression and their downstream effects.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Ca9-22 gingival epithelial cell lines.
• Co-cultured cells with titanium dioxide nanomaterials.
• Analyzed gene and promoter expression using real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence staining for interleukin-13α2 receptor and transforming growth factor β1 mRNA.

Main Results:

• Titanium dioxide nanomaterials significantly altered gene expression in gingival cells.
• Interleukin-13α2 receptor (IL13RA2) showed the highest upregulation (8.625 log2 fold change).
• Confirmed increased interleukin-13α2 receptor expression, which subsequently enhanced transforming growth factor β1 expression.

Conclusions:

• Titanium dioxide nanomaterials may elevate interleukin-13α2 receptor expression in gingival epithelium near implants.
• This elevation can stimulate transforming growth factor β1 secretion.
• Transforming growth factor β1 promotes osteoclast differentiation, potentially affecting bone resorption and gingival tissue health.