The effect of age on prostaglandin-synthesizing enzymes in the development of gingivitis.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to identify the expression of cyclooxygenase-1, cyclooxygenase-2, cyclooxygenase-3, and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 in young and elderly subjects.


METHODS
Periodontally healthy subjects were divided into young (18-30 years, n = 7) and elderly (46-77 years, n = 7). A gingival biopsy was taken at baseline. After experimental gingivitis, clinical examination was repeated and a second biopsy was taken. The expression of cyclooxygenase-1, cyclooxygenase-2, cyclooxygenase-3, and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 was analyzed by means of immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
In both healthy age groups, cyclooxygenase-1 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 were expressed in epithelial cells, endothelial cells and fibroblast-like connective tissue cells. Cyclooxygenase-1 was found in Langerhans' cells of the epithelium. Cyclooxygenase-2 expression was observed in cells exhibiting the morphology of epithelial mitosis cells, and the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in periodontally healthy elderly subjects was significantly lower (p < or = 0.05). Following experimental gingivitis, cyclooxygenase-1 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 expression did not change. However, the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 was significantly increased in both age groups (p < or = 0.05). Cyclooxygenase-3 was not detected in any group investigated.


CONCLUSIONS
Cyclooxygenase-1 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 were expressed constitutively in gingival tissue, and expression was unaffected by age or inflammation states. In contrast, the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 was weaker in elderly subjects. In the course of experimental gingivitis, cyclooxygenase-2 was induced in both age groups.
Siegel
B
B
Department of Periodontology, Philips University, Maarburg, Germany.
Weihe
E
E
Bette
M
M
Nüsing
R M
RM
Flores-de-Jacoby
L
L
Mengel
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods; D051545:Cyclooxygenase 1 / Q000032:analysis; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000032:analysis; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D005881:Gingiva / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology*; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D019746:Intramolecular Oxidoreductases / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000071876:Prostaglandin-E Synthases; D011451:Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases / Q000032:analysis; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D011453:Prostaglandins; D051545:Cyclooxygenase 1; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; D011451:Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases; C466421:cyclooxygenase-3; D019746:Intramolecular Oxidoreductases; D000071876:Prostaglandin-E Synthases