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Koji Naruishi,1,2 Akiko Kunita,3 Katsuyuki Kubo,1,2 Toshihiko Nagata,4 Shogo Takashiba,2,5 Seiji Adachi1 1Division of Local Care Center, Tottori Municipal Hospital, Tottori, Japan; 2Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan; 3Division of Rehabilitation, Tottori Municipal Hospital, Tottori, Japan; 4Department of Periodontology and Endodontology, Institute of Health Biosciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan; 5Department of Pathophysiology-Periodontal Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan Purpose: The number of elderly inpatients has been steadily increasing worldwide. However, the ability to predict the degree of improvement of functional capacity after comprehensive examination of elderly inpatients is still lacking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the predictors of improved functional outcome after rehabilitation of elderly inpatients.Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study with 1,079 patients (age

Background and Objectives: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a risk factor for periodontal diseases and may exacerbate the progression of the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs) cause DM complications relative to levels of glycemic control and larger amounts accumulate in the periodontal tissues of patients with periodontitis and DM. In the present study, we investigated the effects of AGEs on the expression of inflammation‐related factors in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) to elucidate the impact of AGEs on DM‐associated periodontitis. Material and Methods: HGFs were cultured with or without AGEs. Cell viability was examined, and RNA and protein fractions were isolated from AGE‐treated cells. The expression of interleukin (IL)‐6, intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), and the receptor for AGE (RAGE) was investigated using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and reactive oxygen species activity was measured using a kit with 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescin diacetate. Human monocytic cells (THP‐1) labeled with a fluorescent reagent were co‐cultured with HGFs treated with AGEs and IL‐6 siRNA, and the adhesive activity of THP‐1 cells to HGFs was assessed. The expression of IL‐6 and ICAM‐1 was examined when HGFs were pretreated with recombinant human IL‐6, the siRNAs of RAGE and IL‐6, and inhibitors of MAPK and NF‐κB, and then cultured with and without AGEs. The phosphorylation of MAPK and NF‐κB was assessed using western blotting. Results: AGEs increased the mRNA and protein expressions of RAGE, IL‐6, ICAM‐1 and reactive oxygen species activity in HGFs, and promoted the adhesion of THP‐1 cells to HGFs, but had no effect on cell viability until 72 hours. Recombinant human IL‐6 increased ICAM‐1 expression in HGFs, while the siRNAs of RAGE and IL‐6 inhibited AGE‐induced IL6 and ICAM1 mRNA expression, and IL‐6 siRNA depressed AGE‐induced THP‐1 cell adhesion. AGEs increased the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK MAPKs, p65 NF‐κB and IκBα, while inhibitors of p38, ERK MAPKs and NF‐κB significantly decreased AGE‐induced IL‐6 and ICAM‐1 expression. Conclusion: AGEs increase IL‐6 and ICAM‐1 expression via the RAGE, MAPK and NF‐κB pathways in HGFs and may exacerbate the progression of the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship of the incidence of aspiration pneumonia with cognitive impairment and the oral condition. A total of 1,174 elderly patients were analyzed in a cross-sectional study. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Clinical Dementia Rating scale, and the oral condition was evaluated with inspection and palpation. Swallowing was examined in 196 patients using video-endoscopic evaluation. The Mann-Whitney U test and chi-square test were used for statistical analyses. Conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to compute odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Loss of posterior occlusion, impaired tongue movements, and impaired cognition were factors significantly related to aspiration pneumonia. The incidence of aspiration pneumonia was higher in patients with both cognitive impairment and loss of posterior occlusion compared to those having either factor alone (OR: 5.16). There was no statistical association between impaired swallowing and the incidence of aspiration pneumonia in elderly patients with normal cognitive function (cognitive impairment, OR: 3.45; normal function, OR: 0.94). The authors concluded that co-existence of cognitive impairment and oral frailty significantly enhances the risk of aspiration pneumonia. Early and simple evaluation of the oral condition and cognitive function can predict the risk of aspiration pneumonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic periodontitis is a silent infectious disease prevalent worldwide and affects lifestyle-related diseases. Therefore, efficient screening of patients is essential for general health. This study was performed to evaluate prospectively the diagnostic utility of a blood IgG antibody titer test against periodontal pathogens. Oral examination was performed, and IgG titers against periodontal pathogens were measured by ELISA in 1,387 individuals. The cut-off value of the IgG titer was determined in receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and changes in periodontal clinical parameters and IgG titers by periodontal treatment were evaluated. The relationships between IgG titers and severity of periodontitis were analyzed. The best cut-off value of IgG titer against Porphyromonas gingivalis for screening periodontitis was 1.682. Both clinical parameters and IgG titers decreased significantly under periodontal treatment. IgG titers of periodontitis patients were significantly higher than those of healthy controls, especially in those with sites of probing pocket depth over 4 mm. Multiplied cut-off values were useful to select patients with severe periodontitis. A blood IgG antibody titer test for Porphyromonas gingivalis is useful to screen hitherto chronic periodontitis patients (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT01658475). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) binds to human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) in the presence of a soluble form of IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R). We investigated the effects of IL-6 on the functions of HGF in the presence of sIL-6R. HGF changed their morphology from spindle-shaped to round, and detached from the culture dish by stimulation with IL-6/sIL-6R. In this condition, a signal transducer gpl3O and a transcription factor Stat3 were phosphorylated, resulting in activation of transcription factors Stat3 and C/EBPrP. Cytoskeletal β-actin and adhesion molecule integrin-α5, a subunit of α5β1 integrin (VLA-5), were found to possess potential binding domains for these transcription factors in their promoters. Accumulation of β-actin and integrin-α5 mRNA decreased, contrary to the expectation of the induction of gene transcription. Furthermore, the decrease in their mRNAs was associated with reduced expression of both actin and VLA-5 proteins. These results suggest that the expression of VLA-5 and actin was down-regulated in HGF through an IL-6 signaling pathway, resulting in impairment of HGF adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The type II interleukin-l receptor (IL-1RII) has been thought to be incapable of transducing signals to cells because of its short intracellular domain, while type I IL-1 receptor (IL-1RII does transduce signals. Since over-expression of IL-1RII has been demonstrated to inhibit cytokine production in the fibroblastic cell line, it has been proposed to use IL-1RII to prevent IL-1-induced inflammation in connective tissue. In this study, trace amounts of IL-1RII mRNA expression were detected in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs), which are affected by cytokines in inflammatory periodontal disease. Cloning of the cDNA encoding IL-1RII expressed in HGFs revealed 3 amino acid substitutions in the extracellular domain, when compared with the 408 residues predicted from human B-cells. Over-expression of IL-1RII on HGFs by gene transfer down-regulated the expression of IL-1β mRNA and IL-6 mRNA in response to IL-β stimulation, while the expression of IL-8 mRNA was not affected. In the IL-1RII-transfected HGFs, phosphorylation of 25-and 74-kDa proteins was up-regulated upon IL-1β stimulation in the transfected HGFs. The phosphorylation of these proteins was suppressed by the addition of a neutralizing antibody against IL-1RII. These results suggest that the IL-1RII may regulate HGFs expression of cytokine mRNA upon IL-1β stimulation, possibly by altering the IL-1RI-dependent signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accumulation of extracellular matrices and integrins by high glucose has been reported in relation to diabetic complications. We previously reported that PDL cells expressed a higher amount of VLA-5 when cultured in high-glucose (4500 mg/L) medium than those cultured in low-glucose (1100 mg/L) medium. In this study, we aimed to address (1) whether this effect was mediated by the transcriptional level of the gene or the degradative level of the protein, and (2) whether this effect was mediated by TGF-β. The results indicated that the level of mRNA encoding α-5 integrin did not change in PDL cells regardless of the concentration of glucose. Alternatively, high glucose suppressed cathepsin B+L activity. Additionally, the level of mRNA encoding TGF-β was not affected by high glucose, nor did an anti- TGF-β neutralizing antibody have an effect on the expression of β5 gene or cathepsin activity. Therefore, the effects of high glucose appeared to be mediated by impaired protein degradation, but not by autocrine TGF-β. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fibroblasts are known not only to synthesize and secrete extracellular matrix proteins, but also to degrade them for connective tissue remodeling. Drug-induced gingival overgrowth is characterized by a massive accumulation of extracellular matrix components in gingival connective tissues. Although some previous reports suggested that causative drugs stimulated the fibroblast proliferation, the results are not conclusive yet. In this study, we hypothesized that drug-induced gingival overgrowth could be a consequence of impaired ability of matrix degradation rather than an enhanced proliferation of gingival fibroblasts induced by these drugs.Methods: Normal human gingival fibroblasts were cultured with or without either 20 microg/ml of phenytoin or 200 ng/ml of cyclosporin A. Total RNA and cellular proteins were collected every day for RT-PCR analyses and for measuring lysosomal enzyme activity. In addition, an immunohistochemical study was performed to detect lysosomal enzymes in cells from enlarged gingiva of the patients with phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth.Results: RT-PCR analyses revealed that these drugs suppressed the expression of MMP-1, TIMP-1, and cathepsin L, but not that of cathepsin B in a time-dependent manner. Then, we measured the activity of lysosomal enzymes and cathepsin B and L. The results indicated that although cathepsin B activity was not observed to be impaired, regardless of the drugs used in these cells, both total and active forms of combined activity of cathepsins B and L were suppressed in a time-dependent manner.Conclusions: The results indicate that, besides suggested effects of these drugs on gingival fibroblasts and/or on accumulated cells in the gingival tissues, extracellular matrix-degrading ability, particularly that by cathepsin L, is also suppressed by cyclosporin A and phenytoin in gingival fibroblasts, and that lysosomal enzyme plays an important role in the pathogenesis of drug-induced gingival hyperplasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Lipocalin 2 (LCN2), a glycoprotein expressed in epithelial cells and leukocytes, has an antibacterial effect and plays a role in innate immunity. The delivery of LCN2 encapsulated in liposomes to oral epithelium may be useful to prevent oral infectious diseases. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of LCN2, artificially synthesized using a cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) system, on the adhesion of Porphyromonas gingivalis to oral epithelial cells in order to approach oral healthcare using LCN2., Methods: LCN 2 was synthesized using a CFPS system and assayed by Western blotting, mass spectrometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The bilayer liposomes were prepared by the spontaneous transfer method using 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3 phosphocholine (DOPC), 3-sn-phosphatidylcholine from Egg Yolk (Egg-PC), and 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3 phosphoethanolamine (DOPE). The cellular and medium fractions derived from the culture of oral epithelial cells with liposome-encapsulated LCN2 were assayed by Western blotting and ELISA. The effect of the synthesized LCN2 on adhesion of the labeled P. gingivalis to oral epithelial cells was investigated as an evaluation of its antibacterial activity., Results: The synthesized LCN2 protein was identified by Western blotting; its amino acid sequence was similar to that of recombinant LCN2 protein. The additions of DOPE and octa-arginine in the outer lipid-layer components of liposome significantly increased the delivery of liposomes to epithelial cells. When oral epithelial cells were cultured with the synthesized and liposome-encapsulated LCN2, LCN2 was identified in the cellular and medium fractions by Western blotting and its concentration in the cellular fraction from the culture with the synthesized LCN2 was significantly higher than that of a template DNA-free protein. The synthesized LCN2 and liposome-encapsulated LCN2 significantly inhibited the adhesion of P. gingivalis to oral epithelial cells compared with template DNA-free protein., Conclusion: LCN2 was artificially synthesized by a CFPS system, encapsulated in liposomes, and delivered to oral epithelial cells, and demonstrated an antibacterial action against P. gingivalis. This approach may become a useful model for oral healthcare., (© 2022 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Candida albicans ( Ca ) is frequently detected in the peri-implant sulcus with peri-implantitis, a major postoperative complication after oral implant therapy. However, the involvement of Ca in the pathogenesis of peri-implantitis remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to clarify Ca prevalence in the peri-implant sulcus and investigated the effects of candidalysin (Clys), a toxin produced by Ca , on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) was cultured using CHROMagar and Ca colonization rate and colony numbers were calculated. The levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) in PICF were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Pro-inflammatory mediator production and intracellular signaling pathway (MAPK) activation in HGFs were measured by ELISA and Western blotting, respectively. The Ca colonization rate and the average number of colonies in the peri-implantitis group tended to be higher than those in the healthy group. IL-1β and sIL-6R levels in the PICF were significantly higher in the peri-implantitis group than in the healthy group. Clys significantly induced IL-6 and pro-matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 productions in HGFs, and co-stimulation with Clys and sIL-6R increased IL-6, pro-MMP-1, and IL-8 production levels in HGFs compared with Clys stimulation alone. These findings suggest that Clys from Ca plays a role in the pathogenesis of peri-implantitis by inducing pro-inflammatory mediators.

Periodontal diseases include periodontitis and gingival overgrowth. Periodontitis is a bacterial infectious disease, and its pathological cascade is regulated by many inflammatory cytokines secreted by immune or tissue cells, such as interleukin-6. In contrast, gingival overgrowth develops as a side effect of specific drugs, such as immunosuppressants, anticonvulsants, and calcium channel blockers. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) are the most abundant cells in gingival connective tissue, and human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPLFs) are located between the teeth and alveolar bone. HGFs and HPLFs are both crucial for the remodeling and homeostasis of periodontal tissue, and their roles in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases have been examined for 25 years. Various responses by HGFs or HPLFs contribute to the progression of periodontal diseases. This review summarizes the biological effects of HGFs and HPLFs on the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases.

Gan-Lu-Yin (GLY), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, shows therapeutic effects on periodontitis, but that mechanism is not well known. This study aims to clarify the precise mechanism by investigating the inhibitory effects of GLY extracts on osteoclastogenesis in vitro and on bone resorption in periodontitis in vivo. RAW264.7 cells are cultured with soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B (sRANKL) and GLY extracts (0.01-1.0 mg/mL), and stained for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) to evaluate osteoclast differentiation. Experimental periodontitis is induced by placing a nylon ligature around the second maxillary molar in rats, and rats are administered GLY extracts (60 mg/kg) daily for 20 days. Their maxillae are collected on day 4 and 20, and the levels of alveolar bone resorption and osteoclast differentiation are estimated using micro-computed tomography (CT) and histological analysis, respectively. In RAW264.7 cells, GLY extracts significantly inhibit sRANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation at a concentration of more than 0.05 mg/mL. In experimental periodontitis, administering GLY extracts significantly decreases the number of TRAP-positive osteoclasts in the alveolar bone on day 4, and significantly inhibits the ligature-induced bone resorption on day 20. These results show that GLY extracts suppress bone resorption by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation in experimental periodontitis, suggesting that GLY extracts are potentially useful for oral care in periodontitis.

Background and Objectives: Diabetes mellitus (DM), a risk factor of periodontal diseases, exacerbates the pathological condition of periodontitis. A major factor for DM complications is advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) that accumulate in periodontal tissues and cause inflammatory events. Lipocalin 2 (LCN2) is an antimicrobial peptide and inflammation-related factor, and LCN2 levels increase in DM. In this study, the effects of AGEs and lipopolysaccharide of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P g-LPS) on LCN2 expression in human oral epithelial cells (TR146 cells) and the role of secreted LCN2 in periodontitis with DM were investigated., Material and Methods: TR146 cells were cultured with AGEs (AGE2) and control BSA and cell viability was estimated, or with P g-LPS. Conditioned medium and cell lysates were prepared from cultures of epithelial cells and used for Western blotting and ELISA to analyze LCN2, RAGE, IL-6, MAPK, and NF-κB. RNA was isolated from AGE-treated TR146 cells and differentiated HL-60 (D-HL-60) cells and used for quantitative real-time PCR to examine the expression of LCN2 and interleukin-6 (IL-6) mRNAs. RAGE- and LCN2-siRNAs (siRAGE, siLCN2) were transfected into epithelial cells, and AGE-induced LCN2 expression was investigated. D-HL-60 cells were co-cultured with TR146 cells that were transfected with siLCN2 and treated with AGEs, and IL-6 mRNA expression in D-HL-60 cells and cell migration was investigated., Results: AGEs increased the expression levels of LCN2 and IL-6 in oral epithelial cells. siRAGE and a neutralizing antibody for RAGE inhibited AGE-induced LCN2 expression. AGEs stimulated the phosphorylation of ERK, p38, and NF-κB in epithelial cells, and their inhibitors suppressed AGE-induced LCN2 expression. In contrast, P g-LPS did not show a significant increase in LCN2 level in TR146 cells that expressed Toll-like receptor 2. In co-culture experiments, AGE-induced LCN2 inhibited IL-6 mRNA expression in D-HL-60 cells, and LCN2 knockdown in epithelial cells suppressed HL-60 cell migration., Conclusion: These results suggested that AGEs increase LCN2 expression via RAGE, MAPK, and NF-κB signaling pathways in oral epithelial cells, and secreted LCN2 may influence the pathological condition of periodontitis with DM., (© 2020 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective: Calprotectin is a heterocomplex of S100A8 and S100A9 and is mainly secreted from neutrophils, monocytes, and chondrocytes in inflammatory condition. Calprotectin binds to RAGE and TLR4 and induces the expression of proinflammatory chemokines and cytokines in various cells. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that leads to gingival inflammation and alveolar bone resorption. Calprotectin levels in gingival crevicular fluid of periodontitis patients are higher than healthy patients. In the present study, the effects of S100A8 and S100A9 on the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines and bone metabolism-related factors in mouse osteocyte-like cells (MLO-Y4-A2) were investigated., Design: MLO-Y4-A2 cells were treated with S100A8 and S100A9, and the expressions of RAGE, TLR4, RANKL, and several inflammatory cytokines were analyzed by PCR and Western blotting or ELISA methods. To investigate the intracellular signaling pathways, phosphorylation of MAPK and STAT3 was determined by Western blotting, and chemical specific inhibitors and siRNAs were used., Results: Expressions of IL-6 and RANKL were increased by treatment with S100A9 but not S100A8. However, both S100A8 and S100A9 did not change expression of IL-1 β , IL-8, and TNF- α . Although RAGE and TLR4 expressions were not upregulated by S100A9 treatment, transfection of siRNA for RAGE and TLR4 significantly decreased IL-6 and RANKL expressions. In addition, S100A9 activated p38, ERK, and STAT3 signaling pathways, and inhibitors for these factors significantly decreased S100A9-induced IL-6 and RANKL expressions., Conclusions: These results indicated that S100A9 induces IL-6 and RANKL production via engagement with RAGE and TLR4 signalings in osteocytes and suggested that S100A9 may play important roles in the periodontal alveolar bone destruction., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Ryosuke Takagi et al.)

Objectives: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a life-threatening infectious disease, but the pathogenesis of the disease remains uncertain. The objective of this study was to examine whether oral infectious conditions are associated with the occurrence of IE in valvular heart disease (VHD) patients., Materials and Methods: A total of 119 periodontitis (P) patients with or without VHD were enrolled, and cross-sectional analyses were performed. Patients were classified as follows: (1) mild-to-moderate P without VHD, (2) mild-to-moderate P with VHD, (3) severe P without VHD, or (4) severe P with VHD. A total of 78 VHD patients were classified as (1) VHD without IE or (2) VHD with IE. Conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to compute the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI)., Results: No significant differences were observed between patients with or without VHD in oral conditions. A significant increase in the percentage of alveolar bone loss in VHD patients with IE was observed compared with that of patients without IE. The ratio of both Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) IgG titer > 1.68 and Pg fimA type II genotype in patients with IE was significantly higher than in patients without IE. There was a significant correlation between the occurrence of IE and clinical oral findings (number of remaining teeth: OR, 0.17; rate of alveolar bone loss > 40%: OR, 11.8)., Conclusions: VHD patients with IE might have severe periodontitis compared with patients without IE, although further investigation will be needed because this is based on only 7 VHD patients with IE., Clinical Relevance: The patients with IE had fewer remaining teeth, more advanced bone resorption compared with those of patients without IE. These findings suggest a possible association between the occurrence of IE and periodontal infection.

Periodontitis is a polymicrobial infectious disease that leads to inflammation of the gingiva, resulting in teeth loss by various causes such as inflammation-mediated bone resorption. Recently, many investigators have reported that the periodontitis resulting from persistent low-grade infection of Gram-negative bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis ( Pg ) is associated with increased atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, and other systemic diseases through blood stream. On the other hand, carotenoids belong among phytochemicals that are responsible for different colors of the foods. It is important to examine whether carotenoids are effective to the inhibition of periodontal infection/inflammation cascades. This review summarizes the advanced state of knowledge about suppression of periodontal infection by several carotenoids. A series of findings suggest that carotenoids intake may provide novel strategy for periodontitis treatment, although further study will be needed.

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) cause diabetes mellitus (DM) complications and accumulate more highly in periodontal tissues of patients with periodontitis and DM. AGEs aggravate periodontitis with DM by increasing the expression of inflammation-related factors in periodontal tissues. 6-Shogaol, a major compound in ginger, has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. However, the influence of shogaol on DM-associated periodontitis is not well known. In this study, the effects of 6-shogaol on AGEs-induced oxidative and anti-oxidative responses, and IL-6 and ICAM-1 expression in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were investigated. When HGFs were cultured with 6-shogaol and AGEs, the activities of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant enzymes (heme oxygenase-1 [HO-1] and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 [NQO1]), and IL-6 and ICAM-1 expressions were investigated. RAGE expression and phosphorylation of MAPKs and NF-κB were examined by western blotting. 6-Shogaol significantly inhibited AGEs-induced ROS activity, and increased HO-1 and NQO1 levels compared with the AGEs-treated cells. The AGEs-stimulated expression levels of receptor of AGE (RAGE), IL-6 and ICAM-1 and the phosphorylation of p38, ERK and p65 were attenuated by 6-shogaol. These results suggested that 6-shogaol inhibits AGEs-induced inflammatory responses by regulating oxidative and anti-oxidative activities and may have protective effects on periodontitis with DM., Competing Interests: All authors have no conflicts of interest related to this study.

Sclerostin is a secreted glycoprotein that is mainly expressed in osteocytes, exerts negative effects on bone formation, and is present at elevated levels in diabetes mellitus (DM). Periodontitis is an infectious disease caused by periodontopathic bacteria, a complication of DM, and sometimes associated with severe inflammation and alveolar bone resorption. Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are a major pathogen in DM complications and adversely influence periodontitis in DM patients. In the present study, the effects of AGE2 and Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (P-LPS) on the expression of sclerostin in mouse osteocyte-like cells (MLO-Y4-A2 cells) and its function in osteoblast differentiation were investigated. AGE2 and P-LPS up-regulated the expressions of receptor of AGE (RAGE) and Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), respectively, and significantly up-regulated that of sclerostin and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in osteocytes. Sclerostin, RAGE and TLR2 levels were synergistically increased by AGE2 and P-LPS. The siRNAs of RAGE and TLR2 significantly inhibited AGE2- and P-LPS-induced sclerostin expression. AGE2 up-regulated sclerostin expression in osteocyte-like cells via the RAGE, ERK and JNK, and NF-κB signal pathways. On the other hand, P-LPS elevated sclerostin levels via the TLR2, JNK and p38, and NF-κB signal pathways. When osteocytes pre-treated with AGE2 and P-LPS and osteoblastic cells (MC3T3-E1) were co-cultured in the medium with a sclerostin-neutralizing antibody, AGE2- and P-LPS-induced decreases in alkaline phosphatase activity and Runx2 expression in osteoblastic cells were significantly inhibited by the sclerostin-neutralizing antibody. These results suggest that AGE2 and P-LPS influence bone metabolism and inflammation through the regulation of sclerostin expression, and may aggravate periodontitis with DM., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship of the incidence of aspiration pneumonia to cognitive impairment and the oral condition., Materials and Methods: A total of 1174 elderly patients were analyzed in a cross-sectional study. Cognitive function was evaluated by the Clinical Dementia Rating scale and the oral condition was evaluated by inspection and palpation. Swallowing was examined in 196 patients by video-endoscopic evaluation. The Mann-Whitney U test or chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to compute the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI)., Results: Loss of posterior occlusion, impaired tongue movements, and impaired cognition were factors significantly related to aspiration pneumonia. The incidence of aspiration pneumonia was higher in patients with both cognitive impairment and loss of posterior occlusion compared with those having either factor alone (OR: 5.16). There was no statistical association between impaired swallowing and the incidence of aspiration pneumonia in elderly patients with normal cognitive function (cognitive impairment, OR: 3.45; normal function, OR: 0.94)., Conclusion: Co-existence of cognitive impairment and oral frailty significantly enhances the risk of aspiration pneumonia., Clinical Relevance: Early and simple evaluation of the oral condition and cognitive function can predict the risk of aspiration pneumonia.

Background: There is limited information on the relationship of low body mass index (BMI) to the geriatric conditions in elderly patients., Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate whether low BMI associates with geriatric status in elderly patients by calculating suitable cut-off point of BMI for assessment of geriatric conditions., Method: A total of 1223 elderly patients was enrolled (male/female: N = 472/751), and cut-off point of the BMI values to assess the geriatric status such as aspiration pneumonia, cognitive impairment was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association between several geriatric status and low BMI. Of these patients, 262 patients (male/female: 101/161) had received standard rehabilitation treatment. Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores were measured both at admission and discharge to calculate FIM gain and efficiency, and retrospective cohort study was performed., Results: Cut-off point of BMI value to assess the geriatric status was determined (19.0 kg/m 2 ). Significant associations of low BMI to several geriatric factors such as loss of posterior occlusion, cognitive impairment were observed in both male and female. FIM scores in above cut-off point group were significantly higher than in below cut-off point group in female (FIM gain, P = 0.0005; FIM efficiency, P = 0.0025, Mann-Whitney U test). On the other hand, there were no significant differences between low and above BMI cut-off point in FIM scores of male patients., Conclusion: Low BMI might be a useful parameter to evaluate the geriatric status, and the viewpoint would contribute to decide the care plan for the good end-of-life of elderly., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Periodontitis is a bacterial infectious disease, and many inflammatory cytokines regulate periodontitis pathophysiology through a crosstalk between tissue cells and immune cells. Interleukin (IL)-6 is an important cytokine involved in the regulation of host response to bacterial infection. Human Gingival Fibroblasts (HGFs) are the most abundant cells in gingival connective tissues. Various HGF responses to periodontal pathogens or inflammatory cytokines contribute to the development of periodontitis. Lipopolysaccharide derived from Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg LPS) and IL-1β significantly increase IL-6 production in HGFs. However, IL-6 cannot function in HGFs without the soluble form of the IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R), because HGFs do not express sufficient cell surface IL-6R to bind appreciable levels of IL-6. Importantly, sIL-6R is essential for IL-6 signaling in HGFs, and the sIL-6R is produced by differentiated THP-1 cells treated with IL-6. Calprotectin, a heterodimer of S100A8 and S100A9, is released during inflammation and significantly induces IL-6 production in HGFs via toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signals. Calprotectin also induces sIL-6R production in differentiated THP-1 cells. IL-6 induces vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix-metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), and cathepsin L production in HGFs in the presence of sIL-6R. Taken together, calprotectin-induced IL-6 production in HGFs may cause periodontitis progression through a crosstalk of fibroblasts and macrophages. There are many reports that examine how cytokines are released from HGFs to cause beneficial or harmful effects in inflamed periodontal lesions. This review explores the pathophysiology of periodontitis by focusing IL-6-mediated crosstalk of HGFs and macrophages., (© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in periodontal tissues of patients with diabetes mellitus aggravates periodontitis, but the mechanisms are unknown. Calprotectin, a heterocomplex of S100A8 and S100A9 proteins, is a constitutive cytoplasmic component of healthy gingival epithelial cells. This study aimed at investigating the effects of AGE and Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (PgLPS) on calprotectin expression in the human gingival epithelial cell line OBA-9. AGE and PgLPS increased the expression of S100A8 and S100A9 mRNAs, and AGE+PgLPS co-stimulation amplified their expression in OBA-9 cells. A higher concentration of calprotectin in cell lysates was also induced by stimulation with AGE and/or PgLPS. S100A8 was mainly translocated from the nucleus to the cytoplasm by AGE stimulation, while cytoplasmic localization of S100A9 was not altered following stimulation with AGE and/or PgLPS. Calprotectin was found in the cytoplasm of BSA-treated cells, but cytoplasmic and nuclear localization was observed following stimulation with AGE and/or PgLPS. AGE-induced S100A8, and S100A9 mRNA expression was partially suppressed by RAGE-specific siRNA. In contrast, PgLPS-induced S100A8 and S100A9 mRNA expression was strongly suppressed by TLR2-specific siRNA. Furthermore, the inhibition of p38, JNK MAPK, and NF-κB attenuated AGE- and PgLPS-induced S100A8 and S100A9 mRNA expression. Taken together, these results demonstrate that AGE acts in synergy with PgLPS to stimulate RAGE and TLR2 expression and activate p38, JNK MAPK, and NF-κB signaling pathways, resulting in increased activation of calprotectin (S100A8/S100A9) in human gingival epithelial cells. Our results suggest that calprotectin may be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic periodontitis., (© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: In end-of-life care of elderly, the decision of care plan including gastrostomy is difficult frequently because of insufficient knowledge relating the life prognosis of elderly. It is important the families to decide correctly the life prognosis of elderly with geriatric diseases. Our purpose is to examine the significant factors for predicting life prognosis of elderly in end-of-life care., Methods: A total of 320 elderly patients was enrolled (male/female 151/169; averaged age: male 84.7 ± 5.9 year, female 86.8 ± 6.3 year) and retrospective analyses were performed. The elderly patients were classified as either: (1) with or without past illness of aspiration pneumonia; (2) with or without incidence of cerebrovascular disorder; (3) impaired or normal cognitive function; (4) impaired or normal swallowing function, and performed Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Swallowing function was examined using video endoscopic (VE) evaluation method. The Kaplan-Meier analysis of the number of days from implementation of VE test (day 0) to death was evaluated with the log-rank Mantel-Cox test. The maximum follow-up time recorded was 180 days., Results: There were no significant differences in number of days when divided with or without past illness of aspiration pneumonia, cerebrovascular disorder and impaired cognitive function. The survival probabilities of elderly with impaired swallowing function were significant lower than in elderly with the normal function., Conclusions: For judgement of life prognosis, the condition of being frail such as impaired swallowing function might be a useful factor, and the viewpoint would contribute to decide the treatment plan for the good end-of-life care of elderly.

Calcitonin (CTN), a calcium regulatory hormone, promotes calcium diuresis from the kidney and suppresses bone resorption. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the topical and intermittent application of CTN inhibits alveolar bone resorption using ligature-induced experimental periodontitis in rats. Experimental periodontitis was induced by placing a nylon ligature around maxillary molars of 8-week-old male Wistar rats for 20 days. Thirty-two rats were divided into four groups: basal sham control group, periodontitis group, periodontitis plus 0.2 U CTN (low dose), and periodontitis plus 1.0 U CTN (high dose) group. To investigate the effects of CTN on alveolar bone resorption, CTN was topically injected into the palatal gingivae every 2 days after ligature removal (day 0). Micro-computed tomography (CT) analysis was performed for linear parameter assessment of alveolar bone on day 5 and day 14. Periodontal tissues were examined histo-pathologically to assess the differences among the study groups. Micro-CT images showed that alveolar bone resorption was induced statistically around the molar of ligatured rats on day 5 and day 14. The amount of bone resorption was more severe on day 14 than that on day 5. On day 5, only high-dose CTN treatment significantly suppressed bone resorption. In addition, both doses of CTN significantly suppressed bone resorption on day 14. Histological examination clarified that there were fewer TRAP-positive cells in the CTN treatment groups than in the periodontitis group on day 5. Local administration of CTN decreased alveolar bone resorption by regulating osteoclast activation in rats with periodontitis., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Background: Calprotectin, an inflammation-related protein, is present in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), and the determination of calprotectin is useful for diagnosing periodontal diseases. The authors have recently developed a novel immunochromatographic (IC) chip system to determine calprotectin levels in GCF. In the present study, the usefulness of this diagnostic system is investigated in patients with periodontal diseases., Methods: Thirty-six patients with periodontal diseases participated in this clinical test at multiple centers. Periodontitis sites (n = 118) and non-periodontitis (healthy) sites (n = 120) were selected after periodontal examination. GCF collection and periodontal examination were performed at baseline, after supragingival and subgingival scaling and root planing. Calprotectin levels in GCF were determined using a novel IC chip system and evaluated as a visual score and an IC reader value. Correlations between GCF calprotectin levels, clinical indicators, and changes in calprotectin levels by periodontal treatments were investigated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of IC reader value for GCF calprotectin was performed to predict periodontal diseases., Results: The visual score of GCF calprotectin was highly correlated with the IC reader value. IC reader values of GCF calprotectin in the periodontitis group were higher than those of the healthy group at three dental examination stages, and they significantly decreased with periodontal treatments. Visual scores and IC reader values of GCF calprotectin were correlated to levels of clinical indicators. ROC analysis for GCF calprotectin showed an optimal cutoff value to predict periodontal diseases., Conclusion: Determination of GCF calprotectin using a novel IC chip system is useful for diagnosis of periodontal diseases., (© 2017 American Academy of Periodontology.)

Periodontitis is associated with development of diabetes mellitus. Although lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), a major pathogen of periodontitis, may lead the progression of diabetes complications, the precise mechanisms are unclear. We, therefore, investigated the effects of β-carotene on production of Pg LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines in human monocytes cultured high glucose (HG) condition. THP-1 cells were cultured under 5.5 mM or 25 mM glucose conditions, and cells were stimulated with Pg LPS. To investigate the productivity of TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1, cell supernatants were collected for ELISA. To examine the effects of NF-kB signals on cytokine production, Bay11-7082 was used. HG enhanced Pg LPS-induced production of TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1 via NF-kB signals in THP-1. β-carotene suppressed the enhancement of the Pg LPS-induced cytokine production in THP-1 via NF-κB inactivation. Our results suggest that β-carotene might be a potential anti-inflammatory nutrient for circulating Pg LPS-mediated cytokine production in diabetic patients with periodontitis., (© 2017 International Federation for Cell Biology.)

Background/aims: Diabetic patients are susceptible to severe periodontitis, but the precise mechanism is not fully understood. Aim of this study was to explore the biological pathogenesis of severe periodontitis in diabetic patients focusing on the crosstalk of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and macrophages., Methods: A total of 70 periodontitis patients with or without diabetes mellitus (DM) were enrolled, and the statistical relationships of diabetic conditions to the periodontal inflammatory parameters were examined by cross-sectional study. In in vitro study, HGFs cell line CRL-2014® (ATCC) and differentiated THP-1 macrophages were cultured with normal glucose (NG: 5.5 mM) or high glucose (HG: 25 mM) condition, and treated with indicated inflammatory factors such as calprotectin (CPT), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6. To examine the effects of HG on soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) production in THP-1 macrophages, the supernatants were collected and the sIL-6R levels were measured by ELISA. To examine the effects of HG on IL-1β or IL-6-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) production in HGFs, the supernatants were collected. Levels of MMP-1 and tissue inhibitor of MMP-1 (TIMP-1) were measured by ELISA. Finally, after conditioned medium (CM) from THP-1 macrophages cultured with NG or HG conditions was collected, HGFs were treated with the CM. The supernatants were collected 24 hours later and the levels of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 were measured. To examine the specific effects of IL-1β contained in CM on MMP-1 and TIMP-1 production in HGFs, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) was used., Results: There were statistical correlation between IL-1β and sIL-6R levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and HbA1c in periodontitis patients with DM (IL-1β: P=0.035, sIL-6R: P=0.040). HG and CPT significantly induced sIL-6R production in THP-1 macrophages. HG significantly enhanced IL-1β or IL-6/sIL-6R-induced MMP-1 production in HGFs. The increase of MMP-1 by both IL-1β and IL-6/sIL-6R was significantly inhibited by specific ERK or IκB inhibitors. Corresponding to the regulation of MMP-1 production, HG condition increased the phosphorylation of p44/42 MAPK and IκBα in HGFs treated with IL-1β or IL-6/sIL-6R. Finally, MMP-1 production in HGFs cultured with HG increased significantly by CM from THP-1 macrophages cultured with HG. The induction of MMP-1 by the CM from THP-1 macrophages cultured with HG was significantly inhibited by dose dependent of IL-1ra in HGFs cultured with HG., Conclusion: Diabetic conditions such as HG induce IL-1β and sIL-6R production from macrophages in inflammatory periodontal tissues and may exacerbate the periodontitis synergistically via MMP-1 production from HGFs., (© 2018 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.)

An insertion sequence, IS1598 (IsPg4) has been found in virulent strains of Porphyromonas gingivalis in a murine abscess model. The present study was performed to investigate the effects of genetic rearrangements by IS1598 on the phenotypic characteristics of the virulent strains. For this purpose, we searched for a common insertion site of IS1598 among the virulent strains. Through cloning and database search, a common insertion site was identified beside an nrdD-like gene in the virulent FDC 381, W83 and W50 strains. In this region, predicted promoters of the nrdD-like gene and IS1598 are located in tandem, and accumulation of nrdD-like gene mRNA was 5-fold higher in virulent strains (W83, W50, FDC 381) than avirulent strains (ATCC33277, SU63, SUNY1021, ESO59 without IS1598). The role of the nrdD-like gene in virulence of P. gingivalis was investigated by constructing a nrdD-deficient mutant. In the murine abscess model, the parental W83 strain produced necrotic abscesses, while the nrdD-deficient mutant had almost lost this ability. Insertion of IS1598 into the nrdD-like gene promoter region may be related to the phenotypic differences in virulence among P. gingivalis strains through upregulation of the expression of this gene.

Background Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the soluble form of interleukin-6 receptor (sIL-6R) and calprotectin concentrations in gingival crevicular fluid are useful biomarkers in the evaluation of periodontitis. Methods First, a cross-sectional study was performed. A total of 34 periodontitis patients were enrolled and the gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected from the healthy and inflamed sites of periodontal pockets in each patient. The relationship between periodontal condition and gingival crevicular fluid sIL-6R and calprotectin concentrations was analysed statistically. The cut-off values of gingival crevicular fluid sIL-6R and calprotectin concentrations for the evaluation of periodontitis were determined using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Next, by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, it was examined whether calprotectin induces sIL-6R production in THP-1 macrophages. Results Both gingival crevicular fluid sIL-6R and calprotectin concentrations were significantly higher in the inflamed sites than in the healthy sites ( P < 0.0001). The cut-off values of gingival crevicular fluid sIL-6R and calprotectin concentrations for the evaluation of periodontal inflammation were as follows: sIL-6R: 43.5 pg/site; calprotectin: 134.3 ng/site. In the in vitro study, calprotectin significantly induced sIL-6R production in THP-1 macrophages ( P < 0.01). Conclusions Both gingival crevicular fluid sIL-6R and calprotectin concentrations are significant biomarkers in the evaluation of periodontal inflammation.

For elderly inpatients, it may be preferable to return back to their homes after discharge. Therefore, it is important to predict whether elderly patients are able to return home after discharge. Our purpose is to examine the association between geriatric factors including oral conditions and returning home after discharge in elderly patients. A total of 257 elderly patients were enrolled (returned home: N = 116; changed to hospital/nursing home: N = 141). Oral conditions were evaluated by trained dentists. Cognitive impairment was evaluated using the clinical dementia rating scale. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to predict the destination after discharge were obtained by unconditional logistic regression analysis. Impaired tongue movement and edentulous were significant oral factors that elderly patients cannot return home (Impaired tongue movement, OR: 2.72; Edentulous, OR, 1.89), whereas presence of loss of posterior occlusion and mobile teeth were not associated statistically. Cognitive impairment, but not aftereffect of cerebrovascular disease, was a significant problem to predict the destination after discharge in elderly patients (Cognitive impairment, OR: 3.58; Cerebrovascular disease, OR: 1.27). Simple, reliable and inexpensive evaluation including oral examination may better predict whether elderly patients can return home after discharge.

Calprotectin, a heterodimer of S100A8 and S100A9 molecules, is associated with inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease. We have reported that calprotectin levels in gingival crevicular fluids of periodontitis patients are significantly higher than in healthy subjects. However, the functions of calprotectin in pathophysiology of periodontitis are still unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of calprotectin on the productivity of inflammatory cytokines in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). The HGFs cell line CRL-2014® (ATCC) were cultured, and total RNAs were collected to examine the expression of TLR2/4 and RAGE mRNA using RT-PCR. After the cells were treated with S100A8, S100A9, and calprotectin, supernatants were collected and the levels of IL-6 and MCP-1 were measured using ELISA methods. To examine the intracellular signals involved in calprotectin-induced cytokine production, several chemical inhibitors were used. Furthermore, after the siRNA-mediated TLR4 down-regulated cells were treated with S100A8, S100A9, and calprotectin, the levels of IL-6 and MCP-1 were also measured. HGFs showed greater expression of TLR4 mRNA, but not TLR2 and RAGE mRNA compared with human oral epithelial cells. Calprotectin increased significantly the production of MCP-1 and IL-6 in HGFs, and the cytokine productions were significantly suppressed in the cells treated with MAPKs, NF-κB, and TLR4 inhibitors. Furthermore, calprotectin-mediated MCP-1 and IL-6 production were significantly suppressed in TLR4 down-regulated cells. Taken together, calprotectin induces IL-6 and MCP-1 production in HGFs via TLR4 signaling that involves MAPK and NF-κB, resulting in the progression of periodontitis. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1862-1871, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., (© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Recent studies have demonstrated that chronic kidney disease (CKD) may be associated with the progression of periodontal disease. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major risk factor for CKD. The objective of this study was to clarify the relationship between periodontal condition and kidney dysfunction in patients who had kidney failure with or without DM. One hundred sixty-four patients with kidney dysfunction were enrolled (male: N  = 105; female: N  = 59), and the relationship between periodontal condition and kidney dysfunction was analyzed in a cross-sectional study. The subjects were divided into three groups: (a) patients with DM, (b) dialysis patients with nephropathy due to various kidney diseases, and (c) dialysis patient with nephropathy due to DM (diabetic nephropathy). Then, the effect of DM on the periodontal condition was analyzed. The patients were also stratified by CKD stage (into G1-G5) using the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and the G5 group was divided in patients with or without DM. Correlations between eGFR and parameters of periodontal condition were calculated in patients from G1 to G4. The number of missing teeth was significantly higher in dialysis patients with diabetic nephropathy than in patients with DM, whereas alveolar bone loss did not show a significant difference among the three groups. In addition, the G5 patients with DM had a significantly higher number of missing teeth than the other CKD groups, whereas alveolar bone loss did not show a significant difference. In G5 patients with DM, Community Periodontal Index and Oral Hygiene Index scores were significantly higher than in G1-4 patients with DM. There was a significant negative correlation between eGFR and the number of missing teeth. Patients with diabetic nephropathy have a higher rate of periodontal problems such as missing teeth in Japanese adults.

It has been suggested that vitamin C deficiency/scurvy is associated with gingival inflammatory changes; however, the disorder is very infrequently encountered in the modern era. Here, we report a case of extensive gingival overgrowth caused by vitamin C deficiency associated with metabolic syndrome and severe periodontal infection.

Objectives: The objectives of this study are to explore the potential benefits of combining AdGlipr1 (or AdGLIPR1) gene therapy with radiotherapy using subcutaneous prostate and bladder cancer models., Materials and Methods: Combination adenoviral vector-mediated gene therapy and radiotherapy were applied to 178-2 BMA and TSU-Pr1 cells in vitro and colony formation and apoptosis were analyzed. In addition, combination therapies were administered to mice bearing subcutaneous 178-2 BMA and TSU-Pr1 tumors, and tumor growth suppression and survival extension were compared with the monotherapies (AdGlipr1/AdGLIPR1 and radiotherapy) or control vector Adv/CMV/βgal, as well as single-cycle treatment with 2-cycle treatment., Results: Combination treatment significantly suppressed colony formation and increased apoptosis in vitro. In vivo, combination therapy produced significant 178-2 BMA and TSU-Pr1 tumor growth suppression and survival extension compared with the monotherapies or the control. Further tumor growth suppression and survival extension were observed after 2 cycles of the combination treatment., Conclusions: Combining AdGlipr1 (AdGLIPR1) with radiotherapy may achieve additive or synergistic tumor control in selected prostate and bladder tumors, and additional therapeutic effects may result with repeated treatment cycles., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Internleukin-1 (IL-1) and IL-6 are the most potent proinflammatory cytokines being involved in inflammatory diseases such as periodontitis. The objective of this study was to examine the synergistic effects of IL-1β and IL-6 on gingival inflammation by targeting cultured human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). HGFs were treated with IL-1β or IL-6/soluble IL-6R (sIL-6R), and total RNA and total cell lysate were collected to examine expression of gp130 known as a signal transducer of IL-6 using qRT-PCR and Western blotting. IL-1β-mediated IL-6 productivity in HGFs was examined using ELISA method. Likewise, after HGFs and THP-1 macrophages were treated with IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6, sIL-6R productivity was examined. Next, HGFs were treated with IL-6/ sIL-6R after pretreatment of IL-1β, and the intracellular signals were examined using Western blotting. Finally, various mRNA/protein expressions in HGFs treated with IL-6/sIL-6R after pretreatment of IL-1β were examined using qRT-PCR and ELISA method. IL-1β increased significantly both gp130 and IL-6 expression in HGFs. IL-6 increased significantly sIL-6R production in THP-1 macrophages but not HGFs. Co-stimulation with IL-1β and IL-6/sIL-6R induced dramatically the phosphorylation of Stat3, ERK and JNK in HGFs. Interestingly, expression of various inflammation- related molecules such as MMP-1, MCP-1, IL-1ra, bFGF and VEGF were enhanced by co-stimulation with IL-1β and IL-6/sIL-6R in HGFs. Gingival inflammation is regulated by HGFs affected by both IL-1β and IL-6/sIL-6R synergistically through induction of gp130 expression, resulting in progression of periodontitis.