Modulation of proinflammatory mediators by viruses-bacteria synergism in human osteoblasts-an in vitro study

Ya-Yun Lee1, Ming-Ju Li2, Zhu-Yun Yu2

  • 1Institute of Oral Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Dentistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Stomatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

Abstract

Insights

Combined bacterial and viral infections increase inflammatory mediators, potentially harming tooth tissues. Povidone-iodine (PVP-I) shows anti-inflammatory effects against these infections.

Area of Science:

  • Oral biology
  • Immunology
  • Periodontology

Background:

  • Synergistic interactions between viruses and bacteria are implicated in destructive periodontal diseases.
  • The precise mechanisms driving tissue destruction in these conditions remain incompletely understood.
  • This study utilizes Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (Pg-LPS) and polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) as surrogates for bacterial and viral pathogens, respectively.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the combined effects of Pg-LPS and poly I:C on the secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by osteoblasts.
  • To evaluate the potential anti-inflammatory impact of povidone-iodine (PVP-I) on IL-6 and PGE2 secretion induced by these pathogens.

Main Methods:

  • Osteoblastic cells (MG63) were treated with Pg-LPS and/or poly I:C.
  • Cell viability was assessed using mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity assays.
  • Secretion of IL-6 and PGE2 was quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
  • Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were analyzed using Western blotting.

Main Results:

  • Both Pg-LPS and poly I:C significantly increased IL-6 and PGE2 production in MG63 cells, with additive or synergistic effects observed when used together.
  • Pg-LPS and/or poly I:C enhanced the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and JNK, and increased COX-2 expression.
  • Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation was reduced by Pg-LPS and/or poly I:C.
  • PVP-I significantly inhibited poly I:C-induced PGE2 secretion.

Conclusions:

  • Concomitant viral and bacterial infections may exacerbate tooth-supporting tissue damage through the production of pro-inflammatory mediators.
  • The findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for PVP-I in mitigating inflammation associated with bacterial or viral infections.