The effect of prostaglandin E_2 on the expression of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand mRNA and osteoprotegerin mRNA in human periodontal ligament fibroblasts

AIM:To study the effects of prostaglandin E2 on the gene expression of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand(RANKL)and osteoprotegerin(OPG) in human periodontal ligament fibroblasts(HPDLFs).METHODS:Primary periodontal ligament fibroblasts were isolated and cultured in media containing 10-9~10-6 mol/L prostaglandin E2.After incubation for 2~48h,semi-quantitative RT-PCR was performed to detect the expression of OPG and RANKL mRNA using β-actin mRNA level as the internal control.RESULTS:10-9~10-6 mol/L prostaglandin E2 up-regulated the mRNA expression of RANKL,but inhibited the mRNA expression of OPG.The RANKL/OPG ratio in human periodontal ligament fibroblasts showed increasing tendency.COCLUSION:prostaglandin E2 may regulate the differentiation and activity of osteoclasts by influencing the ratio of RANKL/OPG mRNA.