Ghrelin's Role in Protecting Salivary Gland Cells from Bacterial Damage
Author Information
Author(s): Bronislaw L. Slomiany, Amalia Slomiany
Primary Institution: University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Dental School
Hypothesis
Ghrelin counteracts the harmful effects of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide on salivary gland acinar cells by modulating nitric oxide synthase activity.
Conclusion
Ghrelin protects salivary gland acinar cells from apoptosis induced by P. gingivalis by enhancing cNOS activity and reducing iNOS activity.
Supporting Evidence
- Ghrelin treatment resulted in an 80.6% drop in apoptosis in salivary gland acinar cells.
- P. gingivalis LPS caused a 15.1-fold increase in nitric oxide production.
- Preincubation with ghrelin increased cNOS activity by 80.4% compared to LPS alone.
- iNOS activity increased 26.4-fold in response to P. gingivalis LPS.
Takeaway
Ghrelin helps keep salivary gland cells healthy by stopping them from dying when they are attacked by bacteria.
Methodology
Rat sublingual salivary gland acinar cells were treated with P. gingivalis LPS and ghrelin, and apoptosis and nitric oxide production were measured.
Participant Demographics
Rat sublingual salivary gland acinar cells
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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