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Thymosin beta4 is cytoprotective in human gingival fibroblasts
Author(s) -
Reti Robert,
Kwon Edwin,
Qiu Pin,
Wheater Michelle,
Sosne Gabriel
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
european journal of oral sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.802
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1600-0722
pISSN - 0909-8836
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0722.2008.00569.x
Subject(s) - thymosin , porphyromonas gingivalis , lipopolysaccharide , tumor necrosis factor alpha , chemistry , apoptosis , cytotoxic t cell , pharmacology , wound healing , periodontitis , in vitro , medicine , immunology , dentistry , biochemistry
Thymosin beta4 (Tβ 4 ) is a naturally occurring, ubiquitous, non‐toxic protein with documented wound‐healing, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐apoptotic, and tissue‐repair properties in skin, the ocular surface, and the heart. The ability of Tβ 4 to demonstrate similar protective properties in cells of the oral cavity was analyzed using an in vitro model of cultured human gingival fibroblasts. Thymosin beta 4 significantly suppressed the secretion of interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) following stimulation with tumor necrosis factorα (TNF‐α), suggesting that it may suppress the inflammatory response initiated by pro‐inflammatory cytokines. By contrast, Tβ 4 was not effective in protecting fibroblasts from challenge with lipopolysaccharide purified from Porphyromonas gingivalis or Escherichia coli . Thymosin beta 4 was able to protect gingival fibroblasts against the known cytotoxic effects of chlorhexidine digluconate, a mouthrinse containing chlorhexidine digluconate, and carbamide peroxide. Additionally, Tβ 4 was able to protect gingival fibroblasts from the apoptosis that is induced by stimulation with TNF‐α or by exposure to chlorhexidine. Because of its multifunctional roles in protecting cells against damage, Tβ 4 may have significant potential for use as an oral heathcare aid with combined antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐apoptotic, and cytoprotective properties.