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Human macrophage immunometabolism regulator (MACIR) in patients with periodontitis
Karol Serwin1, Małgorzata Kozak2, Małgorzata Mazurek-Mochol3
1Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Immune Deficiency, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Arkońska 4, 71-455 Szczecin, Poland.
Objective:
Periodontitis is a local inflammatory reaction caused by bacterial infection in which immune cells, including macrophages, are involved. Recent studies have shown that an important regulator of macrophage function is the human macrophage immunometabolism regulator (MACIR). This gene has been shown to play a key role in modulating the immune response by affecting the activity of fibroblasts and macrophages. In this study, we investigated the expression of MACIR in the gingival tissues of patients with periodontal disease, as well as the effect of IL-1β and TNF-α on the expression of MACIR gene and protein in human gingival fibroblasts.
Methods:
MACIR mRNA expression in gingival tissue samples was determined using Real-time PCR. Expression of MACIR protein was determined using immunofluorescent staining and western blotting.
Results:
The MACIR mRNA expression in gingival tissue samples in patients with periodontitis was statistically significantly lower than in gingival tissue samples from healthy controls (p = 0.009). The stimulation of human gingival fibroblasts with IL-1β and TNF-α resulted in a statistically significant decrease of MACIR gene mRNA expression. In western blotting and immunofluorescent analysis, we confirmed that the stimulation of the primary culture of human gingival fibroblasts by both IL-1β and TNF-α decreases the expression of MACIR protein.
Conclusion:
The results of the study suggest that MACIR is an important regulator of the inflammatory process in patients with periodontitis. Decreased expression of the MACIR gene may activate macrophages to secrete mediators that increase inflammation and cause periodontal tissue destruction.
Insights
Human macrophage immunometabolism regulator (MACIR) expression is lower in periodontitis patients. Inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α decrease MACIR gene and protein levels in gingival fibroblasts, suggesting MACIR
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oral Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease driven by bacterial infection.
- Macrophages are key immune cells involved in periodontitis.
- Human macrophage immunometabolism regulator (MACIR) influences macrophage function and immune response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate MACIR gene and protein expression in gingival tissues of periodontitis patients.
- To examine the effect of IL-1β and TNF-α on MACIR expression in human gingival fibroblasts.
Main Methods:
- Real-time PCR for MACIR mRNA quantification.
- Immunofluorescent staining and Western blotting for MACIR protein analysis.
- Stimulation of human gingival fibroblasts with IL-1β and TNF-α.
Main Results:
- MACIR mRNA levels were significantly lower in periodontitis tissues compared to healthy controls.
- IL-1β and TNF-α significantly decreased MACIR mRNA expression in gingival fibroblasts.
- Both cytokines reduced MACIR protein expression in cultured human gingival fibroblasts.
Conclusions:
- MACIR plays a significant role in regulating the inflammatory process in periodontitis.
- Reduced MACIR expression may enhance macrophage activation, leading to increased inflammation and tissue destruction.
- MACIR is a potential therapeutic target for periodontitis management.
