Effects of esradiol and progesterone on the proliferation of human gingival fibroblasts.

AIM

The aim of the in vitro study was to examine the effect of estradiol and progesterone on the proliferation rate of human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) derived from a healthy and a diabetic (type II) individual.

METHODS

In the first experiment, cells in the logarithmic proliferative phase were incubated with estradiol or progesterone at concentrations of 10, 50, and 100 microg/ml for 72 h. Beside the hormones, a glucose solution at a concentration of 200 mg/dl was added to the cell cultures in the second experiment in order to mimic a diabetic situation. The proliferation rate of the cells was determined by means of fluorescence activity of a redox indicator (Alamar Blue(R) Assay) added to the cell culture. Proliferation, expressed in relative fluorescence units (RFU), was determined after 24, 48, and 72 h.

RESULTS

Progesterone at concentrations of 50 and 100 microg/ml significantly (Mann-Whitney-U-Test, p<0.05) reduced cellular growth in both cultures. Estradiol did not have a significant effect on cellular growth. The effect of progesterone was slightly reduced by glucose when cells from the healthy individual were used and remained almost unchanged with the cells from the diabetic patient.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study may help to understand the role of the female sex-hormones in the development of gingival and periodontal diseases during pregnancy. Further research work, however, is needed to elucidate the cellular mechanisms leading to the effects observed.