Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026
Isolation, Processing and Analysis of Murine Gingival Cells
Published on: July 2, 2013
Macrophage Phenotype Alterations in Treated Periodontitis Patients Suggest a Pro-Inflammatory Bias
Mariane Cristina Sloniak1, Josiane Betim de Assis2, Luciana Saraiva1
1Discipline of Periodontics, Department of Stomatology, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Aim:
Understanding macrophage polarization in periodontitis is critical for elucidating the underlying disease mechanisms. This exploratory study aimed to characterize phenotypic features of monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) from treated periodontitis patients.
Methods:
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from 30 individuals classified into three groups: periodontal healthy (H) and patients with treated stage III, grade B (PIII-B) or grade C (PIII-C) periodontitis. Monocytes were differentiated into macrophages and cultured under non-polarizing (M0), M1-polarizing (LPS + IFN-γ), or M2-polarizing (IL-4 + IL-13) conditions. MDM polarization was evaluated by immunophenotyping and cytokine secretion profiling.
Results:
Under M0 conditions, the percentage of M1 MDMs decreased in the H group but remained stable in both periodontitis groups, particularly in PIII-C, which exhibited a higher M1/M2 ratio. Following M1 stimulation, no significant differences in M1/M2 ratios were observed among groups. However, H MDMs increased VEGF and IL-10 secretion compared with those from PIII-B. Under M2 stimulation, PIII-C MDMs exhibited a higher proportion of M1 cells and increased IL-6 secretion, while PIII-B MDMs demonstrated an elevated M1/M2 ratio and lower IL-10 response, suggesting a shift toward a more pro-inflammatory profile.
Conclusion:
In this exploratory study, MDMs from individuals with successfully treated stage III, grade B or C periodontitis exhibited a tendency toward a M1-like phenotype across different polarization conditions, indicating the possible persistence of a pro-inflammatory immune trait that requires confirmation in longitudinal and mechanistic studies.
Insights
Macrophages from treated periodontitis patients show a persistent pro-inflammatory M1-like phenotype. This suggests ongoing immune dysregulation even after successful treatment, warranting further investigation into periodontitis mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Periodontology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Macrophage polarization is crucial for understanding periodontitis pathogenesis.
- Previous research has not fully characterized macrophage phenotypes in treated periodontitis patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phenotypic characteristics of monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) from periodontitis patients post-treatment.
- To explore potential persistent immune traits in treated periodontitis.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy individuals and patients with treated periodontitis (stage III, grade B/C).
- Differentiation of monocytes into MDMs and subsequent polarization into M0, M1, or M2 states.
- Evaluation of MDM polarization via immunophenotyping and cytokine secretion analysis.
Main Results:
- M0 macrophages from periodontitis groups showed a stable M1/M2 ratio, particularly in grade C, contrasting with a decrease in healthy controls.
- M2-stimulated macrophages from treated periodontitis patients exhibited a shift towards an M1-like phenotype with altered cytokine profiles (e.g., increased IL-6, decreased IL-10).
- Healthy controls showed increased VEGF and IL-10 secretion compared to PIII-B patients under M1 stimulation.
Conclusions:
- MDMs from treated periodontitis patients tend towards an M1-like phenotype across polarization conditions.
- This suggests a potential persistence of pro-inflammatory immune traits post-treatment.
- Further longitudinal and mechanistic studies are needed to confirm these findings.
