fimA genotypes and PFGE profile patterns in Porphyromonas gingivalis isolates from subjects with periodontitis

Background and objectives:  Porphyromonas gingivalis is frequently identified to type by evaluation of fimA polymorphisms and less often by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) because of the technical intricacies of PFGE. To compare these techniques, we genotyped P. gingivalis clinical isolates as to (i) their fimA type and (ii) their whole genome restriction profile (PFGE analysis).
Material and methods:  Thirty-two P. gingivalis strains were isolated from 16 unrelated periodontitis patients. Two strains were isolated from each patient. Strains were subjected to a fimA -typing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Strains that could not be typed by PCR were submitted to sequencing of the entire fimA gene. The PFGE profiles of clinical strains were compared using bioinformatic analysis.
Results:  Seven of the 32 isolates were not typeable by PCR and so their entire fimA gene was sequenced. The sequencing identified each strain as belonging to a single fimA type. In one case, sequencing of the fimA gene did not agree with the result obtained using fimA PCR typing. With the exception of one patient, each patient presented isolates bearing the same fimA type. However, in three patients, isolates with the same fimA type presented different PFGE pulsotypes.
Conclusion:  The P. gingivalis typing using fimA PCR has limitations in typeability and discriminatory power. A typing technique for P. gingivalis that is easy to perform but that presents adequate typeability and discriminatory power is needed if we want to better understand the epidemiology of periodontal disease.     

牙龈卟啉单胞菌感染对人脐静脉内皮细胞表达IL-8影响的研究

目的 研究牙龈卟啉单胞菌(porphyrmonas gingivalis,P.g)感染时人脐静脉内皮细胞(human umbilical vein endothelialcell,HUVEC)表达趋化因子白介素-8(interleukin-8,IL-8)的变化,了解P.g对其趋化功能的影响。方法 建立P.g侵入HUVEC的体外模型,采用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)研究P.g381和P.g33277菌株感染HUVEC 6、24 h后的培养上清液中IL-8的浓度。结果 ELISA结果显示当P.g381感染HUVEC 6、24 h和P.g33277感染HUVEC 6、24 h时,HUVEC分泌IL-8的水平明显升高(P<0.01);感染24 h时P.g381促进HUVEC表达IL-8的水平高于P.g33277(P<0.01)。结论 P.g侵入HUVEC后可促进其表达IL-8,从而上调其趋化功能,可能与动脉粥样硬化(atherosclerosis,AS)的发生发展相关。     

不同fimA基因型牙龈卟啉单胞菌刺激口腔上皮细胞白细胞介素-8的表达

目的比较不同fimA基因型牙龈卟啉单胞菌（P.gingivalis）刺激下口腔上皮细胞白细胞介素-8（IL-8）的表达水平,初步探讨P.gingivalis致病性与其fimA基因型的关系。方法P.gingivalis ATCC 33277（Ⅰ型fimA）、W83、47A-1（Ⅳ型fimA）和KB细胞ATCC CCL-17共同孵育24 h,以未受刺激的KB细胞作为对照组,分别在1、3、6、24 h收集细胞和培养上清液。RT-PCR检测KB细胞IL-8 mRNA的动态表达,酶联免疫反应检测培养上清液中IL-8的动态变化。结果2种fimA基因型菌株刺激1 h,KB细胞IL-8 mRNA的表达上调至峰值,高于对照组,3~24 h IL-8 mRNA的表达水平接近对照组;P.gingivalis感染细胞后3~24 h,上清液中的IL-8水平低于对照组,Ⅳ型菌株低于Ⅰ型菌株;IL-8 mRNA及其蛋白表达不完全一致,提示IL-8的表达存在转录后水平的调节。结论fimA基因型与口腔上皮细胞IL-8的表达水平相关,提示P.gingivalis致病性与其fimA基因型相关。     

Quantification of Porphyromonas gingivalis and fimA genotypes in smoker chronic periodontitis

Aim: Porphyromonas gingivalis fim A genotypes were associated with virulence factors in vitro , but little evidence of an association with disease severity were shown in humans. We aimed to correlate levels of P. gingivalis fimA genotypes II and IV and probing depth in smoker-chronic periodontitis subjects.
Material and Methods: One hundred and sixty eight subgingival samples of 20 smokers non-treated chronic periodontitis subjects obtained from sites with different probing depths [shallow (3 mm), intermediate (4–6 mm), deep (7 mm)] were analysed by real-time PCR for P. gingivalis and genotypes fimA II and IV.
Results: P. gingivalis and fimA IV were detected in all subjects, whereas fimA II was detected in 18 subjects (90%). One hundred and fifty two sites (90.5%) harboured P. gingivalis . Genotypes II and IV were detected in 28% and 69.6% of sites, respectively. The proportions of genotypes II and IV in relation to P. gingivalis levels were similar in shallow, intermediate and deep probing sites (2.4%, 4.6%, 1.4% for genotype II and 15.5%, 17.7%, 11.7% for genotype IV, respectively), indicating that other non-tested genotypes were more abundant. Increased levels of genotype IV were associated with increasing probing depth, but not of genotype II.
Conclusions: The data suggested an association between P. gingivalis genotype fimA IV and disease severity in smoker-chronic periodontitis subjects.     

Prevalence of fimA genotypes of Porphyromonas gingivalis and periodontal health status in Chinese adults

Background and Objective:  Porphyromonas gingivalis fimbriae play a key role in colonization of the oral cavity. The fimA gene, which encodes fimbrillin ( FimA ), can be classified into six types (I–V and Ib) according to nucleotide sequence. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between the prevalence of P. gingivalis -specific fimA genotypes and periodontal health status in Chinese adults.
Material and Methods:  One-hundred and fifteen patients with chronic periodontitis and 136 periodontally healthy adults were selected. P. gingivalis detection, determination of fimA genotypes, and the co-existence of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Tannerella forsythia with various fimA types, were assessed by the polymerase chain reaction. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for associating the fimA -specific genes with periodontitis.
Results:  P. gingivalis was detected in 22.1% of healthy subjects and in 81.7% of the patients. A single fimA genotype was detected in most samples. In healthy adults, the most prevalent fimA genotype was type I (66.7%). However, type II was detected most frequently (43.6%) in the patient group, followed by type IV (30.9%). The frequency of co-existing A. actinomycetemcomitans and T. forsythia was highest in type II fimA -positive sites. Statistical analysis revealed that periodontitis was associated with occurrences of type I (odds ratio 0.97), Ib (odds ratio 13.26), II (odds ratio 36.62), III (odds ratio 4.57), IV (odds ratio 22.86) and V (odds ratio 1.19).
Conclusion:  P. gingivalis type II followed by type IV were considered as disease-associated strains that account for the pathogenesis of chronic periodontitis in Chinese adults.     

Porphyromonas gingivalis mediates the shedding and proteolysis of complement regulatory protein CD46 expressed by oral epithelial cells

Introduction:  Human cells express membrane-bound complement regulatory proteins to prevent complement-mediated autologous tissue damage. In this study, we hypothesized that Porphyromonas gingivalis , the major etiological agent of chronic periodontitis, causes the shedding or proteolysis of the complement regulatory protein CD46 expressed by oral epithelial cells.
Methods:  Oral epithelial cells were treated with a culture of P. gingivalis before measurement of membrane-bound and shed CD46 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The effect of soluble recombinant CD46 on secretion of interleukin-8 (IL-8) by epithelial cells was evaluated by ELISA. The susceptibility of soluble recombinant CD46 to proteolytic degradation by cells and purified Lys-gingipain of P. gingivalis was investigated by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis/western immunoblotting analysis.
Results:  Oral epithelial cells treated with a culture of P. gingivalis showed a lower reactivity with antibodies directed to CD46. ELISA revealed that such a treatment resulted in increased amounts of CD46 in the conditioned media suggesting that P. gingivalis caused the shedding of membrane-anchored CD46. Stimulation of epithelial cells with soluble recombinant CD46 induced IL-8 secretion in a dose-dependent manner. Whole cells and purified Lys-gingipain of P. gingivalis degraded recombinant CD46 in a dose-dependent manner.
Conclusion:  This study showed the ability of P. gingivalis to induce the shedding/ proteolysis of CD46 from the surface of oral epithelial cells. This may render host cells susceptible to the complement system and contribute to tissue damage and the inflammatory process in periodontitis.     

Scavenger receptor A is expressed by macrophages in response to Porphyromonas gingivalis, and participates in TNF-α expression

Introduction:  Porphyromonas gingivalis is a periodontopathic bacterium closely associated with generalized aggressive periodontal disease. Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) participate in host response to this organism. It is likely that PRRs not previously recognized as part of the host response to P. gingivalis also participate in host response to this organism.
Methods and Results:  Employing qRT-PCR, we observed increased msr1 gene expression at 2, 6, and 24 h of culture with P. gingivalis strain 381. Flow cytometry revealed increased surface expression of SR-A protein by the 24 h time point. Macrophages cultured with an attachment impaired P. gingivalis fimA - mutant (DPG3) expressed intermediate levels of SR-A expression. Heat-killed P. gingivalis stimulated SR-A expression similar to live bacteria, and purified P. gingivalis capsular polysaccharide stimulated macrophage SR-A expression, indicating that live whole organisms are not necessary for SR-A protein expression in macrophage response. As SR-A is known to play a role in lipid uptake by macrophages, we tested the ability of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to influence the SR-A response of macrophages to P. gingivalis , and observed no effect of LDL on P. gingivalis -elicited SR-A expression. Lastly, we observed that SR-A knockout (SR-A^−/−) mouse macrophages produced significantly more tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α than wild type mouse macrophages cultured with P. gingivalis .
Conclusion:  These data identify that SR-A is expressed by macrophages in response to P. gingivalis , and support that this molecule plays a role in TNF-α production by macrophages to this organism.     

不同fimA基因型牙龈卟啉单胞菌对人脐静脉内皮细胞产生血管细胞黏附分子1和细胞间黏附分子1的影响

目的 观察不同fimA基因型牙龈卟啉单胞菌(Porphyromonas gingivalis,Pg)对人脐静脉内皮细胞(human umbilical vein endothelial cells,HUVEC)产生血管细胞黏附分子1(vascular cell adhesion molecule-1,VCAM-1)和细胞间黏附分子1(intercellular adhesion molecule-1,ICAM-1)的影响,探讨Pg在动脉粥样硬化发生、发展中的可能作用.方法 实验分别以PgATCC33277 (Ⅰ fimA ) 、WCSP115 (Ⅱ fimA)、W83 (Ⅳ fimA)和大肠杆菌脂多糖刺激HUVEC作为T1、T2、T3组(3个实验组)和阳性对照组,未受刺激的HUVEC作为阴性对照组;标准条件下厌氧培养上述3型Pg,将其以及大肠杆菌脂多糖分别与 HUVEC共同孵育2、6、24 h,采用流式细胞术检测HUVEC表面ICAM-1和VCAM-1的蛋白表达量,并通过激光共聚焦显微镜观察ICAM-1和VCAM-1的表达分布情况.结果 Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅳ fimA型Pg刺激HUVEC后,细胞表面ICAM-1表达均增强(P<0.05),2、6、24 h表达量分别为Ⅰ fimA:60.27±5.43、80.81±1.44、85.94±2.56;Ⅱ fimA:86.69±8.81、90.19±0.00、96.18±0.48,Ⅳ fimA:59.66±0.40、85.79±4.86、96.04±2.07.除2 h时ⅠfimA与Ⅳ fimA型Pg刺激的HUVEC表面ICAM-1表达量差异无统计学意义外,其他各时间点Ⅱ、Ⅳ fimA型Pg的刺激作用均强于Ⅰ fimA型Pg(P<0.05).本研究条件下,Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅳ fimA型Pg刺激HUVEC后2、6、24 h表达VCAM-1的水平均较低,各实验组与对照组间相比差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05).激光共聚焦显微镜观察显示,Pg刺激下HUVEC表达ICAM-1和VCAM-1增加,在Ⅱ、Ⅳ fimA型Pg刺激下,HUVEC中ICAM-1和VCAM-1荧光点相对较多且分布范围广.结论 牙周主要致病菌Pg毒力和致病性与其fimA基因型相关,Ⅱ fimA和Ⅳ fimA型Pg 有较强的上调HUVEC表达细胞黏附分子的能力,可能导致血管内皮功能紊乱.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the effect of Porphyromonas gingivalis(Pg) with different fimA genotypes on vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1) production by human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC). Methods In the present study, PgATCC33277(type Ⅰ fimA genotype), WCSP 115(type Ⅱ fimA genotype), W83(type Ⅳ fimA genotype), and Escherichia coli-lipopolysaccharide (Ec-LPS) were designed as experimental group 1, 2, 3, and positive control group, respectively, to stimulate HUVEC, and the un-stimulated HUVEC were analyzed as negative control group. The three strains of Pg were cultured anaerobically in standard condition, and then the Pg cells and Ec-LPS were co-cultured with HUVEC for 2, 6, and 24 h, respectively. The amount of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 produced by HUVEC was detected with flow cytometry(FCM). The expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 by HUVEC were assayed with confocal laser scanning microscope(CLSM). ResultsThe expression of ICAM-1 on the surface of HUVEC were intensified after infected by Pg with Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅳ fimA genotypes (P<0.05). The amounts of ICAM-1 were 60.27±5.43, 80.81±1.44, and 85.94±2.56 for Pg with type Ⅰ fimA genotype, 86.69±8.81, 90.19±0.00, and 96.18±0.48 for Pg with type Ⅱ fimA genotype, 59.66±0.40, 85.79±4.86, and 96.04±2.07 for Pg with type Ⅳ fimA genotype at 2, 6 and 24 h after infection, respectively. The up-regulation effects caused by Pg with type Ⅱ and Ⅳ fimA genotypes were stronger than those caused by Pg with type Ⅰ fimA genotype at different time points except at 2 h(P<0.05). Under the present experimental condition, infected by Pg with type Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅳ fimA genotypes stimulated low expression of VCAM-1 by HUVEC, it showed no significant differences among all the groups (P>0.05). Expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in Pg infected HUVEC were confirmed by CLSM. Infection of HUVEC with Pg resulted in more fluorescence staining of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 compared with that in uninfected HUVEC cultures. Conclusions The virulence and pathogenicity of Pg is associated with its fimA genotypes, Pg with type Ⅱ and Ⅳ fimA genes possess stronger ability to stimulate HUVEC to up-regulate the expression of cell adhesion molecules, which may lead to disorders in vascular endothelial function.     

Ⅰ、ⅣfimA型牙龈卟啉单胞菌对内皮细胞与平滑肌细胞共培养体系产生内皮素-1及一氧化氮的影响

［摘要］ 目的 研究不同fimA基因型牙龈卟啉单胞菌（Porphyromonas gingivalis,P.gingivalis）刺激人脐静脉血管内皮细胞（human umbilical vein endothelial cells,HUVECs）及人脐动脉血管平滑肌细胞（human umbilical artery smooth muscle cells,HUASMCs）共培养体系产生内皮素-1（endothelin-1,ET-1）和一氧化氮（NO）的水平。方法 用ⅠfimA型P.gingivalis（ATCC 33277）和ⅣfimA型P.gingivalis（W83）分别刺激HUVECs-HUASMCs共培养体系,于2、8、24、48 h时收集细胞培养上清液,酶联免疫反应检测ET-1的含量,硝酸还原酶法测定NO的含量。各组均设阴性对照组（纯培养基）及阳性对照组（1 μg/mL E.coli-LPS）。结果 HUVECs-HUASMCs共培养体系在Ⅰ、ⅣfimA型P.gingivalis刺激作用下产生ET-1和NO的量以及ET-1/NO水平,与阴性及阳性对照组比较存在差异。ⅠfimA型P.gingivalis刺激细胞共培养模型分泌ET-1和NO情况的总趋势与阴性对照组相似、而ⅣfimA型P.gingivalis的刺激作用总趋势则与阳性对照组相似,ⅣfimA型P.gingivalis较ⅠfimA型P.gingivalis刺激共培养细胞可分泌更多的ET-1、而NO量减少,ⅣfimA型P.gingivalis感染48 h的细胞共培养模型表现出明显的ET-1/NO的失衡。结论 不同fimA型P.gingivalis刺激共培养模型后产生ET-1及NO的情况及ET-1/NO的水平有明显差异,可能与其本身毒力相关,ⅣfimA型P.gingivalis比ⅠfimA型P.gingivalis更易引起内皮功能紊乱。     

The host cytokine response to Porphyromonas gingivalis is modified by gingipains

Background/aims:  Clinical studies indicate that primary proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) are elevated in the gingival crevice around teeth with periodontitis but the secondary cytokines and chemokines, IL-6 and IL-8, are not. The human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs) lining the gingival sulcus respond to perturbation by microbes of dental plaque by releasing a wide range of cytokines. Porphyromonas gingivalis , a putative periodontal pathogen, possesses numerous virulence factors some of which directly impact on the host response. In the present study, we sought to determine how P. gingivalis influences the inflammatory cytokine responses.
Methods:  HGECs were challenged with P. gingivalis and other putative periodontal pathogens, and the resultant production of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 was assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Culture supernatants and recombinant human cytokines were challenged with live P. gingivalis wild-type and gingipain-deficient strains and the resultant cytokine profile was assessed by ELISA and Western blot.
Results:  We show here that primary HGECs challenged with live P. gingivalis result in high levels of IL-1β but not the related secondary cytokines IL-6 and IL-8. We further demonstrate that cytokine response differences are the result of the action of P. gingivalis proteases, with lysine gingipain being the most effective.
Conclusion:  We conclude that P. gingivalis , through lysine gingipain, can subvert the protective host proinflammatory response by direct cytokine degradation. Changes in the crevicular cytokine profile have consequences in periodontal disease pathogenesis that should be considered in the development of diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.     

Antibodies to periodontal pathogens and coronary artery calcification in type 1 diabetic and nondiabetic subjects

Background and Objective:  The aim of this study was to examine whether serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels to Porphyromonas gingivalis and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans are higher in type 1 diabetic patients than in controls and are associated with coronary artery calcification, a measure of atherosclerosis.
Material and Methods:  One-hundred and ninety nine type 1 diabetic patients (mean age 38 ± 4 years) and 201 age- and gender-matched nondiabetic subjects had coronary artery calcification, as measured by electron beam computed tomography. Serum IgG levels to P. gingivalis W50 and to A. actinomycetemcomitans HK1651 whole cells were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results:  A similar proportion of diabetic patients (29%) and controls (31%, p  = 0.7) had elevated serum IgG to periodontal bacteria, defined as being above the median antibody level for both microorganisms. Elevated antibody levels were associated with higher systolic blood pressure ( p  = 0.02) and an increased odds of coronary artery calcification in all subjects combined (odds ratio = 1.7, p  = 0.047) and in diabetic subjects examined separately (odds ratio = 2.01, p  = 0.027). Association of serum IgG levels with coronary artery calcification was independent of social class, lipids and antibody levels to other microorganisms, but not systolic blood pressure (odds ratio = 1.4, p  = 0.1 on adjustment for blood pressure). There was no association between serum IgG level and vascular endothelial function.
Conclusion:  Elevated levels of serum IgG to P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans are associated with coronary artery atherosclerosis. This may reflect a direct role for periodontal infection or a role for the host response to infection in coronary atherosclerosis, particularly in patients with type 1 diabetes.     

Cytokine production induced by a 67-kDa fimbrial protein from Porphyromonas gingivalis

Fimbriae have been reported to play an important role in the adherence of Porphyromonas gingivalis to oral surfaces and possibly in triggering host responses. P. gingivalis ATCC 33277 has two distinctly different fimbriae expressed on the cell surface. The 67-kDa fimbriae differ in size and antigenicity from the earlier reported FimA, a major 41-kDa fimbrial component of P. gingivalis. Expression of the 67-kDa fimbriae on the cell surface of a fimA mutant was investigated by electron microscopy. The 67-kDa fimbrial protein was purified from the fimA mutant by sonication, precipitation, and chromatography on a DEAE Sepharose CL-6B column. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the 67-kDa fimbrillin was distinct from that of the 41-kDa fimbrillin. Moreover, we have found that the 67-kDa fimbrial protein from P. gingivalis ATCC 33277 induced IL-1alpha, IL-beta, IL-6 and TNFalpha cytokine expression in mouse peritoneal macrophages. These results suggest that P. gingivalis 67-kDa fimbriae may play a part in the inflammatory response during the development of periodontal diseases.     

牙龈卟啉单胞菌对兔血管内皮组织中白细胞介素-33表达的影响

目的 用牙龈卟啉单胞菌感染兔建立动脉粥样硬化（AS）模型,观察感染兔主动脉血管内皮细胞中白细胞介素-33（IL-33）的变化,探讨牙龈卟啉单胞菌与AS的关系。方法 将24只新西兰大白兔分为对照组和实验组。实验组每周1次静脉注射牙龈卟啉单胞菌培养液,持续12周,建立感染兔AS模型;对照组每周1次注射等量生理盐水。实验13周处死实验动物,观察主动脉血管的组织结构;通过免疫组织化学染色、实时荧光半定量聚合酶链式反应和Western blot法检测兔主动脉血管内皮细胞中IL-33 mRNA和蛋白质的表达。结果 实验组血管内皮细胞IL-33 mRNA相对表达量为58.244±2.407,IL-33蛋白相对表达量为1.863±0.171,对照组IL-33 mRNA相对表达量为3.143±0.805,IL-33蛋白相对表达量为0.537±0.028;实验组IL-33的mRNA和蛋白的表达量均明显高于对照组（P<0.01）。结论 牙龈卟啉单胞菌感染能促进血管内皮细胞表达IL-33,可能对AS的发生发展有一定的调节作用。     

Homotypic biofilm structure of Porphyromonas gingivalis is affected by FimA type variations

Introduction:  Porphyromonas gingivalis is a periodontal pathogen whose long fimbriae (FimA) are classified into six genotypes (types I–V and Ib) based on the diversity of the fimA genes. FimA variations were previously shown to be related to the onset and development of adult periodontitis in a general population, while FimA were recently found to be critical mediators of initial biofilm formation. However, it is unclear if FimA variations have effects on biofilm features. Here, we compare the characteristic structures of homotypic biofilms developed by P. gingivalis strains with different FimA types.
Methods:  Biofilms were formed on saliva-coated glass bottom wells in phosphate-buffered saline and their structures were analysed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Furthermore, the biovolumes of the biofilms were quantified with a three-dimensional fluorophotometric method.
Results:  Biofilm structures formed by the six representative FimA-type strains apparently differed. Type I and Ib P. gingivalis formed biofilms with a dense basal monolayer and dispersed microcolonies, whereas those formed by types II, III and IV strains had markedly luxuriant biofilms filled with widely clumped and tall colonies, and their biovolumes were significantly greater than those of types I and Ib. These characteristic features were confirmed to be closely related to FimA type in assays that utilized fimA -substituted mutants from type I to II and those from type II to I.
Conclusion:  Our results suggest that FimA variations have effects on the structures of biofilms formed by P. gingivalis , which may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.     

Human leukocyte histocompatibility antigen class II-induced cytokines from human gingival fibroblasts promote proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells: potential association with enhanced angiogenesis in chronic periodontal inflammation

Background and Objective:  The role of human leukocyte histocompatibility antigen (HLA) class II molecules on non-antigen-presenting cells has been a matter of controversy. We previously reported that HLA-II molecules on human gingival fibroblasts (GF) do not present antigens, but transduce signals into the cells, resulting in the expression of several cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), regulated upon activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) and IL-8. However, the exact role of these cytokines, as well as other cytokines which are potentially secreted from GF, in the pathogenesis of chronic periodontal inflammation is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to observe the effects of HLA-II-induced cytokines on the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC).
Material and Methods:  Antibody-based cytokine-microarray analyses were performed to detect potential cytokines associated with angiogenesis. Next, cytokine productivity was confirmed by quantitative methods. Then, cell proliferation assay was performed to see whether these cytokines promoted the proliferation of HUVEC.
Results:  Besides IL-6, MCP-1, RANTES and IL-8, growth-related gene product (GRO) was newly identified as an HLA-II-induced cytokine released from GF. This was confirmed by a quantitative method. Cell culture supernatant from HLA-II-stimulated GF cultures promoted the growth of HUVEC. Addition of anti-IL-8 neutralizing antibody, anti-CXC receptor (CXCR)1 antibody and anti-MCP-1 antibody inhibited the growth of HUVEC in a dose-dependent manner, while addition of anti-GROα antibody did not.
Conclusion:  The HLA-II-induced IL-8, via CXCR1, as well as MCP-1 from GF, promotes endothelial cell proliferation, which is possibly associated with enhanced angiogenesis in chronic periodontal lesions.     

An acute injection of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide modulates the OPG/RANKL system and interleukin-6 in an ovariectomized mouse model

Background/aims:  In the present study, we attempted to develop a simulated model to explore the causal effects of periodontal pathogens on skeletal homeostasis in postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Methods:  Fifty-three female adult ICR mice were randomly assigned to an experimental group (ovariectomized) or a control group. A single injection of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide ( P. gingivalis -LPS, ATCC 33277) or Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide ( E. coli -LPS) was administered intraperitoneally 4 weeks after an ovariectomy. Concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) in serum were subsequently analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results:  Under stimulation with P. gingivalis -LPS or E. coli -LPS, the concentration of OPG rose in both groups. The serum level of RANKL showed a decreasing trend 24 h after the injection in both groups. After injection of P. gingivalis -LPS in both the experimental and control animals, the OPG : RANKL ratio increased 24 h after the booster (22.26–620.99, P  < 0.05). The serum level of IL-6 in the experimental group significantly increased 1–6 h after administration of E. coli -LPS and 1–3 h after administration of P. gingivalis -LPS ( P  < 0.05).
Conclusions:  A single booster injection of P. gingivalis -LPS induced short-term changes in OPG, RANKL, and IL-6 serum levels in this ovariectomized mouse model.     

Variations of Porphyromonas gingivalis fimbriae in relation to microbial pathogenesis

OBJECTIVES: Periodontal disease is an infectious disorder caused by a small subset of periodontal pathogens including Porphyromonas gingivalis. Accumulated evidences show that the expression of P. gingivalis heterogenic virulence properties is dependent on its clonal diversity. P. gingivalis expresses two distinct fimbria molecules, major and minor fimbriae, on its cell surfaces, both of which seem to be involved in the development of periodontitis. In this short review, variations of fimbriae in relation to microbial pathogenesis are discussed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our recent findings are summarized to elucidate the relationship between clonal variation of fimbriae and bacterial pathogenicity of various strains. RESULTS: Major fimbriae were classified into six types (I to V and Ib) based on the diversity of fimA genes encoding FimA (a subunit of major fimbriae). A majority of periodontitis patients were found to carry type II fimA organisms, followed by type IV, and type II fimA organisms were significantly occurred with more severe forms of periodontitis. Studies of clones with type II fimA have revealed significantly greater adhesive and invasive capabilities to epithelial cells than other fimA type clones. Minor fimbriae induced interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha), IL-1beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) cytokine expression in macrophages and were suggested to be a causative factor of alveolar bone resorption in animal models. The clonal diversity of minor fimbriae is unclear, however, distinct minor fimbria molecules were found in different strains. CONCLUSION: The fimbria variations may have an influence on the development of periodontal disease.     

牙龈卟啉单胞菌对兔血管平滑肌细胞分泌IL-1β、IL-6的影响

目的:观察牙龈卟啉单胞菌(Porphyromonas gingivalis,Pg)上清液对体外培养的兔血管平滑肌细胞分泌IL-1β、IL-6的影响。方法:组织块法培养兔腹主动脉血管平滑肌细胞,并对其细胞来源进行鉴定。用4.3×106 CFU/mL的Pg上清液刺激细胞12、24、48 h后,通过ELISA检测IL-1β、IL-6的水平;同时用RT-PCR检测其mRNA表达的情况。结果:Pg上清液刺激24 h和48 h时能促进血管平滑肌细胞分泌IL-6,分别与同一时间点的对照组相比差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),而且24 h时,IL-6表达最强,而IL-1β的表达最低,明显低于相同时间的对照组和其他时间点的实验组(P<0.05)。RT-PCR检测显示,4.3×106 CFU/mL的Pg上清刺激血管平滑细胞12、24、48 h后细胞内均有IL-1β、IL-6的基因表达,在24 h时,血管平滑肌细胞的IL-1β基因表达减少,而IL-6基因表达增加。结论:Pg上清液可促进细胞合成和分泌IL-6,在动脉粥样硬化的发生发展过程中可能发挥一定作用。     

Proteome analysis of Porphyromonas gingivalis cells placed in a subcutaneous chamber of mice

Introduction:  Porphyromonas gingivalis , an oral anaerobic bacterium, is considered a major pathogen for chronic periodontitis. Pathogenic bacteria usually upregulate or downregulate gene expression to combat the protective responses of their hosts.
Methods:  To determine what protein is regulated when P. gingivalis cells invade host tissues, we analyzed the proteome of P. gingivalis cells that were placed in a mouse subcutaneous chamber by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.
Results:  Fourteen proteins were upregulated, while four proteins were downregulated. We focused on three upregulated proteins, PG1089 (DNA-binding response regulator RprY), PG1385 (TPR domain protein), and PG2102 (immunoreactive 61-kDa antigen), and constructed mutant strains that were defective in these proteins. Mouse abscess model experiments revealed that the mutant strain defective in PG1385 was clearly less virulent than the wild-type parent strain.
Conclusion:  These results indicate that the PG1385 protein is involved in P. gingivalis virulence and that the method used here is useful when investigating the P. gingivalis proteins responsible for virulence.