Effects of methanandamide on human periodontal ligament cells

Abstract

Background Endocannabinoid system is involved in the regulation of periodontal tissue homeostasis. Synthetic cannabinoid methanandamide (Meth-AEA) has an improved stability and affinity to cannabinoid receptors compared to its endogenous analogue anandamide. In the present study, we investigated the effect of methanandamide on the production of pro-inflammatory mediators in primary human periodontal ligament cells (hPdLCs). Methods hPdLCs were treated with Meth-AEA for 24 h and resulting production of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 was measured under normal condition as well as under inflammatory conditions mimicked by the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Additionally, the effect of Meth-AEA on the proliferation/viability of hPdLCs was measured by MTT method. Results Methanandamide at concentration of 10 µM significantly inhibited P. gingivalis LPS induced production of IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1. Basal production of IL-6 and IL-8 was slightly enhanced by 10 µM Meth-AEA. No effect of Meth-AEA on the basal production of MCP-1 was observed. Proliferation/viability of hPdLCs was not affected by Meth-AEA in concentrations up to 10 µM and was significantly inhibited by 30 µM Meth-AEA. Conclusion Our study supports the influence of cannabinoid system on the inflammatory processes in periodontal tissue and its potential involvement in the progression of periodontal disease.