Androgen metabolism in response to œstradiol-17 β and progesterone in human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) in culture

Aim of the study

Hormonal imbalance is described as being an important risk factor for periodontitis. This study evaluates the response of human gingival fibroblasts to these hormones.

Materials and methods

Gingival fibroblasts from the inflamed gingivae of four patients (2 male, 2 female) suffering from periodontitis and four healthy controls, were cultured. The cells from inflamed tissues retained their phenotype during culture. They were exposed to 14C-testosterone or to 14C-4-androstenedione and serial concentrations of œstradiol-17β or progesterone. Their metabolites were analysed.

Results

The human fibroblasts metabolised the androgens in a range of concentrations of œstradiol and progesterone. With 14C-testosterone as the substrate, œstradiol significantly augmented the synthesis of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), 4-androstenedione and the diols by fibroblasts from inflamed tissues. Similar results were obtained when 14C-4-androstenedione was used as the substrate. These mechanisms were inhibited by progesterone.

Conclusions

This study confirms the role of œstradiol and progesterone in mediating androgenic metabolic responses in human gingival fibroblasts in both men and women. In addition, the response, which is dose dependent, is significantly different for healthy and diseased gingiva.

Commentary

Although this study was carried out on very few subjects, who may not be representative, it confirms the fundamental role of hormonal balance and the susceptibility of gingival inflammatory cells to hormonal influence. We await future findings on the mechanisms of the inflammatory response at a cellular level.