A study of phosphorylated ERK1/2 and COX‐2 in early stage (T1–T2) oral squamous cell carcinomas

Background: Histomorphological grading at the invasive front of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) may provide useful prognostic information. In the present study, we investigated the presence and prognostic value of activated phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1 and 2 (p‐ERK1/2) and cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) both at the invasive front and in central/superficial parts of OSCCs. Methods: Using immunohistochemistry, we assessed the presence of p‐ERK1/2 and COX‐2 in 53 early stage OSCCs. Clinical data were recorded prospectively. The end point was disease‐free survival. Results: p‐ERK1/2 staining was present in almost all tumours. The staining was mostly nuclear in the cells of the invasive front and either nuclear or nuclear/cytoplasmic in central/superficial tumour parts. COX‐2 was observed in almost all tumours (98%) and the staining was often restricted to focal areas. Most tumours were COX‐2 negative at the invasive front. The lowest P‐value in survival analyses was P = 0.06 for p‐ERK1/2 at the invasive front. COX‐2, the histomorphological grading systems and TNM stage were of no prognostic value. Conclusion: p‐ERK1/2 was present in almost all tumours and p‐ERK1/2 may be a prognostic marker at the invasive front of OSCCs. In early stage OSCCs, most tumours did not express COX‐2 at the invasive front.     

Enamel matrix derivative induces production of vascular endothelial cell growth factor in human gingival fibroblasts

Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) may enhance periodontal wound healing by inducing angiogenesis. We sought to investigate the effect and the mechanism of action of EMD on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production by human gingival fibroblasts. Cells were stimulated with EMD, transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), or fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF‐2), with or without antibodies to TGF‐β1 or FGF‐2. The levels of VEGF in the culture media were measured using an ELISA. We examined the effects of SB203580 [a p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor], U0126 [an extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor], SP600125 [a c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor], and LY294002 [a phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt inhibitor] on EMD‐induced VEGF production. Enamel matrix derivative stimulated the production of VEGF in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Treatment of human gingival fibroblasts with antibodies to TGF‐β1 or FGF‐2 significantly decreased EMD‐induced VEGF production, whereas the addition of exogenous TGF‐β1 and FGF‐2 stimulated VEGF production. Enamel matrix derivative‐induced VEGF production was significantly attenuated by SB203580, U0126, and LY294002. Our results suggest that EMD stimulates VEGF production partially via TGF‐β1 and FGF‐2 in human gingival fibroblasts and that EMD‐induced VEGF production is regulated by ERK, p38 MAPK, and PI3K/Akt pathways. Enamel matrix derivative‐induced production of VEGF by human gingival fibroblasts may be involved in the enhancement of periodontal wound healing by inducing angiogenesis.     

Electrical stimulation with periodic alternating intervals stimulates neuronal cells to produce neurotrophins and cytokines through activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathways

Peripheral neuropathy is a representative complication of dental surgery. Electrical therapy, based on electrical stimulation with periodic alternating intervals (ES‐PAI), may promote nerve regeneration after peripheral nerve injury in a non‐invasive manner, potentially providing an effective therapy for neuropathy. This study aimed to analyze the molecular mechanisms underlying the nerve recovery stimulated by ES‐PAI. In brief, ES‐PAI was applied to a neuronal cell line, Neuro2A, at various intensities using the pulse generator apparatus, FREUDE. Cell viability, neurotrophin mRNA expression, and cytokine production were examined using a tetrazolium‐based assay, real‐time RT‐PCR, and ELISA, respectively. Mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling was assessed using flow cytometry. It was found that ES‐PAI increased the viability of cells and elevated expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3); ESPAI also augmented vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) expression, which was restored by addition of p38 inhibitors. Phosphorylation of p38 and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK‐1/2) was augmented by ES‐PAI. Hence, ES‐PAI may ameliorate peripheral neuropathy by promoting neuronal cell proliferation and production of neurogenic factors by activating p38 and ERK‐1/2 pathways.     

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor δ inhibits Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide‐induced activation of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 by downregulating NADPH oxidase 4 in human gingival fibroblasts

We investigated the roles of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor δ (PPARδ) in Porphyromonas gingivalis‐derived lipopolysaccharide (Pg‐LPS)‐induced activation of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP‐2). In human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs), activation of PPARδ by GW501516, a specific ligand of PPARδ, inhibited Pg‐LPS‐induced activation of MMP‐2 and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which was associated with reduced expression of NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4). These effects were significantly smaller in the presence of small interfering RNA targeting PPARδ or the specific PPARδ inhibitor GSK0660, indicating that PPARδ is involved in these events. In addition, modulation of Nox4 expression by small interfering RNA influenced the effect of PPARδ on MMP‐2 activity, suggesting a mechanism in which Nox4‐derived ROS modulates MMP‐2 activity. Furthermore, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase and p38, but not extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, mediated PPARδ‐dependent inhibition of MMP‐2 activity in HGFs treated with Pg‐LPS. Concomitantly, PPARδ‐mediated inhibition of MMP‐2 activity was associated with the restoration of types I and III collagen to levels approaching those in HGFs not treated with Pg‐LPS. These results indicate that PPARδ‐mediated downregulation of Nox4 modulates cellular redox status, which in turn plays a critical role in extracellular matrix homeostasis through ROS‐dependent regulation of MMP‐2 activity.     

A Sialidase‐Deficient Porphyromonas gingivalis Mutant Strain Induces Less Interleukin‐1β and Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α in Epi4 Cells Than W83 Strain Through Regulation of c‐Jun N‐Terminal Kinase Pathway

Background: Porphyromonas gingivalis is one of the major periodontal pathogens. In a previous study, a mouse abscess model showed that sialidase deficiency of P. gingivalis weakened its virulence, but the mechanism behind this observation remains unknown. Methods: A sialidase‐deficient mutant strain (△PG0352) and a complemented strain (com△PG0352) were constructed. Epi4 cells were stimulated by wild‐type strain P. gingivalis W83, △PG0352, or com△PG0352. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction was carried out to detect expression of virulent genes in P. gingivalis and interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α in epi4 cells. Activities of sialidase, gingipains, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were compared among the different P. gingivalis strains. Levels of IL‐1β and TNF‐α in the epi4 cells supernatant were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and levels of p38, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), and phospho‐c‐Jun were detected by western blotting. Results: Compared with P. gingivalis W83 and com△PG0352, activities of Kgp and Rgp gingipains and amount of LPS decreased in △PG0352, whereas there were no differences in LPS activity among these three strains. Level of phospho‐JNK was lower in epi4 cells stimulated by △PG0352. △pG0352 induced less IL‐1β and TNF‐α and more IL‐8 in epi4 cells; differences in IL‐1β and TNF‐α could not be detected after JNK blocking. Conclusion: A sialidase‐deficient P. gingivalis mutant strain induces less IL‐1β and TNF‐α in epi4 cells than W83 strain through regulation of JNK pathway.     

Migration induced by epidermal and hepatocyte growth factors in oral squamous carcinoma cells in vitro: role of MEK/ERK, p38 and PI-3 kinase/Akt

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41 : 547–558 Background: Cell migration is a necessary part of malignant invasiveness. Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) have a great tendency for local invasive growth. We have investigated signalling pathways involved in cell migration induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in OSCC cells and examined the effects of various experimental and clinically approved anti‐tumour signal inhibitors on the migratory activity. Methods: Migration was studied in three human OSCC cell lines, using a scratch wound assay in vitro and time‐lapse cinematography. Specific phosphorylation of signalling proteins was assessed by Western blotting. Results: In the E10 cell line, EGF and HGF induced phosphorylation of EGF receptor (EGFR) and Met, respectively, phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 and Akt, and dose‐dependent activation of cell migration. Addition of the EGFR‐specific inhibitors cetuximab (antibody) or gefitinib (tyrosine kinase blocker) abolished cell migration elicited by EGF. Similarly, a Met kinase inhibitor (SU11274) blocked HGF‐induced cell migration. Furthermore, when three cell lines were treated with blockers of the MEK/ERK, p38 or the PI‐3 kinase/Akt pathways, the migratory response to both EGF and HGF was inhibited, but to varying degrees. Notably, in E10 and D12 cells, HGF‐induced migration was particularly sensitive to PI‐3 K‐inhibition, while in C12 cells, both HGF‐ and EGF‐induced migration were highly sensitive to p38‐blockade. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that the MEK/ERK, p38 and PI‐3 kinase pathways are all involved in mediating the increased migration in OSCC cell lines induced by EGF and HGF, but their relative importance and the effects of specific signal inhibitors differ.     

Fluid Shear Stress Stimulates Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Periodontal Ligament Cells via the Extracellular Signal‐Regulated Kinase 1/2 and p38 Mitogen‐Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathways

Background: Fluid shear stress (FSS) is a major type of mechanical stress that is loaded on human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) during mastication and orthodontic tooth movement. This study aims to clarify the effect of FSS on the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs and to further verify the involvement of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in this process. Methods: After isolation and characterization, hPDLCs were subjected to 2‐hour FSS at 12 dynes/cm², and cell viability, osteogenic gene mRNA expression, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, secretion of Type I collagen (COL‐I), and calcium deposition were assayed. The levels of phosphorylated p38 and phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in response to FSS were detected by Western blot, and the involvement of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways in hPDLC osteogenesis under FSS was investigated using the specific MAPK inhibitors U0126 (2Z,3Z)‐2,3‐bis[amino(2‐aminophenylthio)methylene]succinonitrile,ethanol) and SB203580 (4‐[4‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐2‐(4‐[methylsulfinyl]phenyl)‐1H‐imidazol‐5‐yl]pyridine). Results: The application of FSS on hPDLCs induced an early morphologic change and rearrangement of filamentous actin. ALP activity, messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of osteogenic genes, COL‐I, and osteoid nodules were significantly increased by FSS. Moreover, ERK1/2 and p38 were activated in different ways after FSS exposure. U0126 and SB203580 completely blocked the FSS‐induced increases in ALP activity and osteogenic gene mRNA expression and osteoid nodules formation. Conclusions: FSS is an effective approach for stimulating osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs. The ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways are involved in this cellular process.     

Endothelin‐1 Stimulates Proinflammatory Cytokine Expression in Human Periodontal Ligament Cells via Mitogen‐Activated Protein Kinase Pathway

Background: Endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) is a 21–amino acid peptide with multifunctional regulation. Initial research indicated that ET‐1 is related to the inflammatory pathogenesis of periodontitis and involved in the regulation of cytokines, but the mechanisms involved remain unclear. The primary aim of this study is to investigate how ET‐1 affects proinflammatory cytokine expression in human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells. Methods: hPDL cells were obtained from both healthy (H)‐ and periodontitis (P)‐affected periodontal tissues. H‐hPDL and P‐hPDL cells were treated with ET‐1 (1, 10, and 100 nM) for 12, 24, and 48 hours. The untreated cells served as a control. To confirm the specificity of the ET‐1 effects, 100 nM of the specific endothelin A (ET_A) receptor antagonist BQ123 and 100 nM of the specific ET_B receptor antagonist BQ788, as negative control, were used. To examine the signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms involved in ET‐1–mediated cytokine expression, H‐hPDL and P‐hPDL cells were pretreated with specific inhibitors for extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK1/2) (PD98059), c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (SP600125), and p38 kinase (SB203580) for 1 hour before 100 nM ET‐1 stimulation. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, and IL‐6 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels were evaluated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Results: ET‐1 dose‐ and time‐dependently induced the production of proinflammatory cytokines TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 by H‐hPDL and P‐hPDL cells at both mRNA and protein levels. However, ET_A and ET_B receptor antagonists inhibited the stimulatory effects of ET‐1 on inflammatory cytokine expression in H‐hPDL and P‐hPDL cells. Furthermore, inhibitors of the mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) significantly reduced ET‐1–stimulated TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 expression in H‐hPDL and P‐hPDL cells. Conclusion: ET‐1 may be involved in the inflammatory process of periodontitis, at least in part, by stimulating proinflammatory cytokine production via the MAPK pathway in hPDL cells.     

Tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β expression pathway induced by Streptococcus mutans in macrophage cell line RAW 264.7

Streptococcus mutans, a major etiological agent of dental caries, frequently causes systemic disease, such as subacute bacterial endocarditis, if it enters the bloodstream. In this study, the production pathways of the proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), induced by S. mutans in mouse macrophage were examined using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The S. mutans stimulated the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA at a multiplicity of infection of 1 : 100, which increased at 2 and 4 h, respectively, to 24 h. It also induced the production of high levels of the TNF-α and IL-1β proteins, which increased at 2 h and reached a peak at 4 and 24 h, respectively. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) was activated and reached a maximum level 30 min after the S. mutans treatment. The expression of TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA and protein was suppressed by the treatment with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, an NF-κB inhibitor. The S. mutans-induced TNF-α expression was suppressed by the presence of SB203580, a p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase inhibitor, or SP600125, a Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) MAP kinase inhibitor. On the other hand, IL-1β expression was inhibited by extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/p38/JNK MAP kinase inhibitor pretreatment. In addition, TNF-α production was suppressed more in the Toll-like receptor 2(-/-) (TLR2(-/-)) macrophages than in the TLR4(-/-) macrophages, whereas IL-1β production was suppressed more in the TLR4(-/-) macrophages than in the TLR2(-/-) macrophages. These results show that S. mutans stimulates the production of TNF-α and IL-1β in the mouse macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7, by activating ERK/p38/JNK, and NF-κB through TLR2 and TLR4, respectively.     

Adenosine triphosphate stimulates RANKL expression through P2Y1 receptor–cyclo‐oxygenase‐dependent pathway in human periodontal ligament cells

Luckprom P, Wongkhantee S, Yongchaitrakul T, Pavasant P. Adenosine triphosphate stimulates RANKL expression through P2Y ₁ receptor–cyclo‐oxygenase‐dependent pathway in human periodontal ligament cells. J Periodont Res 2010; 45: 404–411. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S Background and Objective: Our previous study showed that human periodontal ligament cells responded to mechanical stress by increasing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release, accompanied by the increased expression of RANKL and osteopontin. We found that the signaling pathway of mechanical stress‐induced osteopontin was mediated through ATP/P2Y₁ receptor and Rho kinase activation but that of mechanical stress‐induced RANKL was different. In this study, we further investigated the effect of extracellular ATP on the expression of RANKL and the mechanism involved. Material and Methods: Human periodontal ligament cells were treated with ATP (10–40 μm ). The expressions of RANKL and cyclo‐oxygenase 2 (COX‐2) were examined by RT‐PCR and western blot analysis. The level of prostaglandin E₂ was determined using ELISA. Signaling pathways were investigated by using inhibitors and antagonist. Results: Adenosine triphosphate induced the expression of RANKL. Indomethacin, an inhibitor of COX, could abolish the induction of RANKL expression, suggesting a COX‐dependent mechanism. A cAMP‐dependent protein kinase inhibitor, H89, and a nuclear factor κB (NFκB) inhibitor, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, inhibited RANKL expression, prostaglandin E₂ production and NFκB translocation. In addition, a specific P2Y₁ receptor antagonist, MRS2179, and P2Y₁ small interfering RNA diminished the effect of ATP. Conclusion: Extracellular ATP stimulates RANKL expression in human periodontal ligament cells through a pathway dependent on the P2Y₁ receptor, cAMP‐dependent protein kinase, NFκB and COX. Our results suggest that, among the molecules responsible for the effect of mechanical stress, ATP participates in bone resorption or bone homeostasis by mediating its signal through the P2Y₁ receptor and the NFκB–COX–RANKL axis in periodontal tissue.     

Nicotine and lipopolysaccharide stimulate the production of MMPs and prostaglandin E(2) by hypoxia-inducible factor-1α up-regulation in human periodontal ligament cells

Kim Y‐S, Shin S‐I, Kang K‐L, Herr Y, Bae W‐J, Kim E‐C. Nicotine and lipopolysaccharide stimulate the production of MMPs and prostaglandin E₂ by hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α up‐regulation in human periodontal ligament cells. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 719–728. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S Background and Objective: Although hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) is up‐regulated in the periodontal pockets of periodontitis patients, the expression and precise molecular mechanisms of HIF‐1α remain unknown in human periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs). The aim of this study was to explore the effects, as well as the signaling pathway, of nicotine and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the expression of HIF‐1α and on the production of its target genes, including cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2)‐derived prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 in PDLCs. Material and Methods: The expression of COX‐2 and HIF‐1α proteins was evaluated using western blotting. The production of PGE₂ and MMPs was evaluated using enzyme immunoassays and zymography, respectively. Results: LPS and nicotine synergistically induced the production of PGE₂, MMP‐2 and MMP‐9, and increased the expression of MMP‐2, MMP‐9, COX‐2 and HIF‐1α proteins. Inhibition of HIF‐1α activity by chetomin or knockdown of HIF1α gene expression by small interfering RNA markedly attenuated the production of LPS‐ and nicotine‐stimulated PGE₂ and MMPs, as well as the expression of COX‐2 and HIF‐1α. Furthermore, pretreatment with inhibitors of COX‐2, p38, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, Jun N‐terminal kinase, protein kinase C, phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase and nuclear factor‐kappaB decreased the expression of nicotine‐ and LPS‐induced HIF‐1α and COX‐2, as well as the activity of PGE₂ and MMPs. Conclusion: These data demonstrate novel mechanisms by which nicotine and LPS promote periodontal tissue destruction, and provide further evidence that HIF‐1α is a potential target in periodontal disease associated with smoking and dental plaque.     

Epidermal growth factor stimulates urokinase-type plasminogen activator expression in human gingival fibroblasts. Possible modulation by genistein and curcumin

BACKGROUND: Regulation of the extracellular matrix turnover is a crucial process in wound healing and the progress of periodontal disease. It has been proposed that urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), under the control of growth factors or cytokines, provides the proteolytic potential to the accomplishment of these cellular events. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is one of the growth factors that has been shown to be active in uPA regulation. METHODS: In this study, we have assessed the effect of EGF on uPA expression in primary cultures of human gingival fibroblasts. We also studied the signaling pathways involved in this process and the role of the dietary phytoestrogens curcumin and genistein as potential modulators of this response. RESULTS: Human gingival fibroblasts expressed a basal uPA activity, which was inhibited by genistein, but not by curcumin. After treatment with 10 ng/ml EGF, uPA production was strongly stimulated. Exposure to genistein and curcumin inhibited EGF-stimulated urokinase production, although only genistein showed a statistically significant inhibitory response. Using more specific inhibitors, we found that the mitogen-activated extracellular kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitors PD98059 and SP600125 also blocked the EGF-dependent stimulatory effect. On the other hand, SB203580, inhibitor of the p38 member of mitogen-activated protein kinase family, did not alter this response. In accordance to these findings, EGF stimulated a potent activation of JNK and a mild activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2. Finally, EGF stimulated the phosphorylation of its receptor and tyrphostin (AG1478), curcumin and genistein were able to inhibit this stimulatory effect. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that EGF constitutes a strong stimuli on uPA expression in human gingival fibroblasts. Our data also shows that EGF-stimulated uPA production involves the activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 and JNK signaling pathways and might be modulated by the natural phytoestrogens curcumin and genistein.