[Influence of cobalt chloride-induced hypoxia on the proliferation and apoptosis of periodontal ligament cells].

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of hypoxia on proliferation and expression of HIF-1alpha and Caspase-3 in human periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs).

METHODS

Human PDLCs were exposed to cobalt chloride in order to mimic hypoxia. Cell viability of PDLCs was determined by MTT methods. Expression of HIF-1alpha and Caspase-3 was measured by real time PCR and Western blot. The data was statistically analyzed with SAS6.12 software package for one-way ANOVA.

RESULTS

Cell viability of PDLCs significantly decreased when exposed to hypoxia in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Hypoxia induced the expression of HIF-1alpha,up-regulated the expression of Caspase-3.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypoxia inhibits cell proliferation, which involves the expression of HIF-1alpha and Caspase-3, resulting in the production of the apoptosis. The results suggest that hypoxia may play a role in the induction and progression of chronic periodontitis. Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.30801292), Shanghai Leading Academic Discipline (Grant No.S30206) and Research Fund for Excellent Young Teachers of Shanghai Municipal College and University (Grant No.JDY07059).