and Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Stimulate Synthesis of Visfatin by Human Macrophages.

There is little known about the effect of the periodontopathogen on macrophages as key cells of the innate immune defense in the periodontium. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of and additionally of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) on visfatin and other pro-inflammatory and proteolytic molecules associated with periodontitis in human macrophages. The presence of macrophage markers CD14, CD86, CD68, and CD163 was examined in gingival biopsies from healthy individuals and periodontitis patients. Human macrophages were incubated with and TNFα for up to 2 d. The effects of both stimulants on macrophages were determined by real-time PCR, ELISA, immunocytochemistry, and immunofluorescence. was able to significantly stimulate the synthesis of visfatin by human macrophages using TLR2 and MAPK pathways. In addition to visfatin, was also able to increase the synthesis of cyclooxygenase 2, TNFα, and matrix metalloproteinase 1. Like , TNFα was also able to stimulate the production of these proinflammatory and proteolytic molecules. Our results highlight the pathogenetic role of in periodontal diseases and also underline the involvement of visfatin in the aetiopathogenesis of periodontitis.