Porphyromonas gingivalis Gingipains Trigger a Proinflammatory Response in Human Monocyte-derived Macrophages Through the p38α Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Signal Transduction Pathway
2010

Gingipains from Porphyromonas gingivalis Cause Inflammation in Macrophages

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Daniel Grenier, Shin-ichi Tanabe

Primary Institution: Université Laval

Hypothesis

Can P. gingivalis gingipains trigger a proinflammatory response in human macrophages?

Conclusion

P. gingivalis gingipains induce a significant inflammatory response in macrophages, contributing to periodontitis.

Supporting Evidence

  • Both Arg- and Lys-gingipains induced the secretion of TNF-α and IL-8 by macrophages.
  • Heat-inactivated gingipains were still effective in inducing cytokine secretion.
  • Macrophage stimulation with gingipains activated the p38α MAPK signaling pathway.

Takeaway

The bacteria that cause gum disease can make our immune cells send out signals that cause inflammation, which can hurt our gums.

Methodology

Human monocyte-derived macrophages were stimulated with Arg- and Lys-gingipain preparations, and cytokine secretion was measured.

Limitations

The study did not explore the long-term effects of gingipains on macrophage function.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/toxins2030341

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