Characteristics of neutrophil extracellular traps in patients with periodontitis and gingivitis

Abstract

We sought to compare the characteristics and clinical significance of neutrophil extracellular traps in gingival samples from patients with periodontitis and those with gingivitis. The clinical indexes of gingival samples from patients with periodontitis and gingivitis were measured; the expression of TNF-alpha and IL-8 was measured by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR; and the expression of TLR-8 and MMP-9 was measured by western blotting assays. Chemotaxis, phagocytosis and phagocytic activity of neutrophils were measured. Compared with the healthy group, the expression of TNF-α and IL-8 in the periodontitis group and the gingivitis group increased significantly (p < 0.05), and TNF-α in the gingivitis group was significantly lower than that in the healthy group (p < 0.05). The expression of IL-8 in the periodontitis group was significantly higher than that in the periodontitis group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression of TLR-8 and MMP-9 in the periodontitis group was different from that in the gingivitis group and the healthy group, and the expression of TLR-8 and MMP-9 in the gingivitis group was significantly different from that in the healthy group (p < 0.05). In addition, the neutrophil mobility index in healthy people was 3.02 ± 0.53, that in the periodontitis group was 2.21 ± 0.13, and that in the gingivitis group was 2.31 ± 0.12. In conclusion, the chemotaxis of neutrophils in gingival samples of patients with periodontitis and gingivitis was decreased, the phagocytotic ability and activity of neutrophils were reduced, and the release of the extracellular trap-releasing inducible factors TNF-alpha and IL-8 also declined.

Immunomodulation in the Treatment of Periodontitis: Progress and Perspectives

“…All of these changes are influenced by cytokines [e.g., granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF)] (25), miRNAs [e.g., nod-like receptor 12 (NLRP12)] (32) and inflammasomes [e.g., nod-like receptor 12 (NLRP12)] (33). Proinflammatory cytokines [e.g., tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a and interleukin (IL)-8], neutrophil enzymes, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), histidine decarboxylase, histamine and neutrophil elastase (NE) secreted by neutrophils are increased (34)(35)(36)(37) and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 are decreased (38). All of these changes are affected by bacteria (such as P. gingivalis) and bacterial products [such as leukocyte toxin (LtxA)] (36,38).…”

Significance of Mast Cell Formed Extracellular Traps in Microbial Defense

“…By staining histones, DNA, and neutrophil elastase, they reported the ability of neutrophils to eject DNA strands and utilize them for the trapping of pathogens [ 41 ]. A wide variety of stimuli including interferon (IFN)-α, interleukin (IL)-8, chemical agents (mainly phorbol myristate acetate; PMA), certain microbes, and their products have since been shown to induce the formation of neutrophil ETs (NETs) [ 42 , 43 ]. NETosis is initiated by decondensation of chromatin, and the release of nuclear contents into the cytoplasm.…”

“…Although production of NETs in response to a variety of viruses has been reported, to the best of our knowledge, the production of MCETs in Covid-19 infection has not been investigated; therefore, it may be an interesting theme of research for other colleagues [ 129 – 131 ] Structure of MCETs The formation of MCETs and ejection of DNA decorated with proteins of which some act as autoantigens could potentially link MCETs to autoimmune diseases. Determining potential autoantigens released by MCETs may provide an interesting avenue for further investigations [ 43 ] While the exact role of histones in MCET is not yet clear, it has been shown that histones of NETs have cytotoxic effects like DAMPs. Conversely, extracellular histones induce the formation of NETs via interaction with TLR4/9 and application of anti-histone Abs like BWA3 could inhibit NET formation [ 132 ] The origin of DNA web of MCETs either nuclear or mitochondrial (or mixed) remains unanswered.…”

“…In the final stage, DNA is released into the extracellular space to ensnare the invading pathogens [42]. Upon ejection of NETs, a variety of substances with bactericidal properties including proteases, LL-37, and protease-containing matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) are released and contribute to the elimination of the pathogen [43]. Moreover, citrullinated histone H3 (H3Cit) and peptidyl arginine deiminase (PAD) are commonly released in conjunction with DNA [44] (Fig.…”

Clinical efficacy of Duyiwei capsule in treating gingivitis

“…[ 4 ] It is characterized by gingiva changes without loss of periodontal attachment. [ 5 – 7 ] Patients with this condition often experience bleeding on tooth brushing, gingival swelling, and redness. [ 8 , 9 ] Although several managements are reported that can benefit gingivitis, the efficacy is limited.…”