The effect of age on prostaglandin-synthesizing enzymes in the development of gingivitis

• Published in: Journal of periodontal research 2007-06, Vol.42 (3), p.259-266
• Main Authors: Siegel, B., Weihe, E., Bette, M., Nüsing, R. M., Flores-de-Jacoby, L., Mengel, R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Biopsy - methods; cyclooxygenase; Cyclooxygenase 1 - analysis; Cyclooxygenase 2 - analysis; Dentistry; Epidemiologic Methods; experimental gingivitis; Facial bones, jaws, teeth, parodontium: diseases, semeiology; Female; Gingiva - cytology; Gingiva - enzymology; Gingivitis - enzymology; Gingivitis - etiology; Humans; Intramolecular Oxidoreductases - analysis; Male; Medical sciences; microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1; Middle Aged; Non tumoral diseases; Otorhinolaryngology. Stomatology; prostaglandin E2; Prostaglandin-E Synthases; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases - analysis; Prostaglandins - biosynthesis
• ISSN: 0022-3484; 1600-0765
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0765.2006.00942.x

Background and Objective:  The aim of this study was to identify the expression of cyclooxygenase‐1, cyclooxygenase‐2, cyclooxygenase‐3, and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 in young and elderly subjects. Material and Methods:  Periodontally healthy subjects were divided into young (18–30 years, n = 7) and elderly (46–77 years, n = 7). A gingival biopsy was taken at baseline. After experimental gingivitis, clinical examination was repeated and a second biopsy was taken. The expression of cyclooxygenase‐1, cyclooxygenase‐2, cyclooxygenase‐3, and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 was analyzed by means of immunohistochemistry. Results:  In both healthy age groups, cyclooxygenase‐1 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 were expressed in epithelial cells, endothelial cells and fibroblast‐like connective tissue cells. Cyclooxygenase‐1 was found in Langerhans' cells of the epithelium. Cyclooxygenase‐2 expression was observed in cells exhibiting the morphology of epithelial mitosis cells, and the expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 in periodontally healthy elderly subjects was significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05). Following experimental gingivitis, cyclooxygenase‐1 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 expression did not change. However, the expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 was significantly increased in both age groups (p ≤ 0.05). Cyclooxygenase‐3 was not detected in any group investigated. Conclusion:  Cyclooxygenase‐1 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 were expressed constitutively in gingival tissue, and expression was unaffected by age or inflammation states. In contrast, the expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 was weaker in elderly subjects. In the course of experimental gingivitis, cyclooxygenase‐2 was induced in both age groups.