Effects of arecoline on apoptosis of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts

To observe the effects of arecoline on the related protein expressions in the apoptosis of cultured human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (hPDLFs), such as p-JNK, p-p53, and Bcl-2.

hPDLFs were isolated from human periodontal ligament tissues and expanded in vitro. hPDLFs were treated with different concentrations of arecoline (0, 20, 40 and 80 μg/m L) for 12 h. The proliferative activities were evaluated by MTT. The expressions of p-JNK, p-p53, and Bcl-2 were determined by Western blot.

Arecoline inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis protein. The protein level of Bcl-2 was decreased, while p-JNK and p-p53 were increased (P < 0.05). The protein expressions were in a concentration - dependent manner with arecoline.

It demonstrates arecoline might contribute to the apoptosis of hPDLFs, and could destroy periodontal tissues.