Abstract:
Human gingival fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and macrophages were evaluated for their ability to metabolize serine or glycine lipids produced by Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacterium associated with periodontitis. The study found that fibroblasts and macrophages selectively hydrolyze certain lipid classes, breaking down L654 and, to a lesser extent, L1256 into smaller lipid products, whereas keratinocytes show limited hydrolytic activity. Notably, L1256, a potent TLR2 agonist, accumulates in diseased gingival tissues due to slower hydrolysis, which may contribute to sustained inflammatory signaling. These findings suggest that variable lipid metabolism among gingival cell types may influence host inflammatory responses in periodontal disease.
Authors:
Tyler M. Guido, Samuel D. Ratcliffe, Amanda Rahmlow, Matthew A. Zambrello, Anthony A. Provatas, Robert B. Clark, Michael B. Smith, Frank C. Nichols