Substance P regulates the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase in cultured human gingival fibroblasts

Background and Objective: Substance P may play a role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease; however, its mechanisms of modulation are not clear. This study evaluated the effect of two concentrations of Substance P on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in cultured human gingival fibroblasts. Material and Methods: Fibroblasts were stimulated for 48 h with 10−4 or 10−9 m Substance P; untreated fibroblasts served as controls. The expression of MMP‐1, ‐2, ‐3, ‐7 and ‐11 and of TIMP‐1 and ‐2 was evaluated using real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Results: There was a significant, concentration‐dependent stimulatory effect of Substance P on MMP‐1, ‐2, ‐3 and ‐7 and TIMP‐2 gene expression (p