Therapeutic potential of a novel semi-synthetic-sulfated-polysaccharide to suppress inflammatory mediators in P. gingivalis LPS stimulated human monocytes/macrophages

BACKGROUND: Chronic periodontitis is associated with an increased risk for systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. During chronic periodontitis, endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) produced by P. gingivalis provokes monocyte accumulation and differentiation into macrophages and increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteases (MMPs). While normal levels of MMPs are important in cellular function, increased levels of cytokines and MMPs can cause connective tissue destruction. RESULTS: In the current study, we investigated the therapeutic capability of a novel semi-synthetic sulfated polysaccharide (SAGE) on the production of cytokines and MMPs by cultured human mononuclear cells and macrophages stimulated with endotoxin LPS produced by P. gingivalis, a periodontally-relevant cell culture model. Our research demonstrated SAGE inhibited the LPS induced synthesis of inflammatory mediators including TNF-α, IL-1β, PGE(2), and MMP-9 in this periodontal-relevant cell culture model. In addition, TLR-2 and TLR-4 levels were also reduced with the SAGE treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The therapeutic potential of this novel semi-synthetic sulfated polysaccharide compound may help to prevent tissue damage and bone loss in patients with periodontal disease or other inflammatory diseases.