Effect of dexamethasone on the metabolism of testosterone in human gingival fibroblasts
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Date
2000-12-16
Authors
Tilakaratne, A.
Soory, M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Peradeniya
Abstract
Dexamethasone has been known to have synergistic interactions with growth factors to induce proliferation of human diploid periodontal ligament and gingival fibroblasts. It can also stimulate the formation of new cementum and alveolar bone. The anabolic effects of androgens especially 5a-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are well established. The aim of this investigation was to study the effects of dexamethasone (Dex) on the metabolism of testosterone in human gingival fibroblasts (HGF).
Confluent monolayer cultures of HGF of 5th_9'h passage derived from chronically inflamed gingival tissues were established in Eagle's Minimum Essential medium. Duplicate incubations were performed with 14C-testosterone (l4C-T) as substrate and serial concentrations of Dex ranging from 0.5-50 ug/ml for 24 hours. At the end of the incubation period. the steroid metabolites were ana lysed and quantified using a radioisotope scanner.
Most of the lower concentrations of Dex showed a stimulatory effect on DHT synthesis from 14C-T. with a maximum increase of 44% at 1.0 ug/ml, decreasing to 14% at 10 ug/ml and reaching control values at higher concentrations. The increases in DHT in response to the lower concentrations of Dex (ranging from 0.5-8.0 ug/ml) were statistically significant (n=6: p<0.05: ANOYA). Synthesis of the other major metabolite. -l-andrcstenedione from 14C-T showed 20- 36% increases in response to the range of 0.5-5.0 ug/ml of De x (n=6: p<0.05: ANOYA).
Dexamethasone at lower concentrations could induce the metabolism of testosterone in cultured human gingival fibroblasts resulting in the formation of anabolic metabolites. This could enhance connective tissue and bone matrix synthesis and play an important role in tissue regeneration in inflammatory periodontal lesions.
Description
Keywords
Dental , Sciences Cexamethasone Cuman gingival fibroblasts
Citation
Proceedings and Abstract of the Annual Research Sessions, December 16, 2000, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka pp 77-86