Resveratrol suppresses the inflammatory responses of human gingival epithelial cells in a SIRT1 independent manner.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In periodontitis, chronic infection by periodontopathic bacteria induces uncontrolled inflammation, which leads to periodontal tissue destruction. Human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs) constitute a critical first line of defense against periodontopathic bacteria, both as a physical barrier and as regulators of inflammation. Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in grapes and red wine, reportedly has anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, we investigated the effects of resveratrol on the Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced inflammatory responses of HGECs and their mechanism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We stimulated the HGEC line, epi 4, with live or heat-killed P. gingivalis in the presence of resveratrol, and analyzed expressions of the interleukin-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and interleukin-1ß genes. We determined the involvement of SIRT1 in the effect of resveratrol using sirtinol (a SIRT1 inhibitor) or SIRT1 knockdown. We also examined whether the effects were mediated by activation of AMP-activated kinase, suppression of reactive oxygen species, or inhibition of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). RESULTS: Resveratrol treatment decreased the expression of inflammatory cytokines and slightly increased the expression of SIRT1. However, neither SIRT1 inhibition nor SIRT1 knockdown counteracted its anti-inflammatory effects. Although resveratrol did not affect AMP-activated kinase activation or reactive oxygen species production, it slightly suppressed NF-κB translocation when cells were stimulated with heat-killed P. gingivalis. CONCLUSION: Resveratrol suppressed the inflammatory responses of P. gingivalis-stimulated HGECs, probably by inhibiting NF-κB signaling but independent of SIRT1.