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Three-dimensional Inflammatory Human Tissue Equivalents of Gingiva
Published on: April 3, 2018
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Phytocannabinoids regulate inflammation in IL-1β-stimulated human gingival fibroblasts.
Ammaar H Abidi1,2, Vrushali Abhyankar1,2,3, Sahar S Alghamdi4,5
1College of Dentistry, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
Journal of Periodontal Research
|September 7, 2022
Summary
Phytocannabinoids (pCBs) show potential for treating periodontal disease by modulating inflammatory responses in human gingival fibroblasts. Certain pCBs, like CBVN and CBG, effectively reduced inflammatory markers, suggesting therapeutic possibilities.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Oral Biology
- Endocannabinoid System Research
Background:
- Periodontal disease affects billions globally, causing significant tissue destruction.
- The endocannabinoid system (ECS), present in periodontal tissues, offers a potential therapeutic target.
- Phytocannabinoids (pCBs) from cannabis plants possess immunomodulatory properties, with varied effects depending on cell type.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of pCBs on primary human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) under simulated periodontal disease conditions (IL-1β stimulation).
- To assess the impact of pCBs on inflammatory mediator production and cell viability in HGFs.
Main Methods:
- Primary human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were cultured and stimulated with IL-1β.
- Cannabinoid receptor activity was measured, and the effects of three pCBs on cell viability were assessed.
- Cytokine (INF-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, TNF-α) and PGE2 production were quantified post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Cannabidivarin (CBVN) and cannabigerol (CBG) demonstrated CB2R agonist activity; Cannabidiol (CBD) did not activate CB1R or CB2R.
- CBVN and CBG significantly suppressed IL-1β-induced PGE2 production; CBVN, CBG, and CBD reduced certain pro-inflammatory cytokines.
- While generally reducing inflammation, some pCBs also exhibited pro-inflammatory effects or increased specific cytokines like IL-6 and IL-10.
Conclusions:
- pCBs effectively inhibited key inflammatory mediators in HGFs, indicating potential for periodontal disease therapeutics by targeting the ECS.
- Each pCB exhibits a unique anti-inflammatory profile, with some also displaying pro-inflammatory activities.
- pCBs, individually or in combination, may offer benefits for improving oral health and managing periodontal disease.
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