Background and objective: Short-chain fatty acids, such as butyric acid, are detected in periodontal pockets and are thought to be involved in the initiation and progression of periodontal disease. In the present study, we examined the effects of butyric acid on adhesion molecule expression by human gingival epithelial cells.
Material and methods: The human gingival carcinoma cell line, Ca9-22, was cultured in media that contained different concentrations of butyric acid.
Results: Cell numbers were significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner by butyric acid at concentrations of > or = 0.2 mM. The expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 mRNA was significantly increased 6 h after stimulation. By contrast, the expression levels of integrins alpha 6 and beta 4 were decreased. Similar results were obtained by flow cytometry.
Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that butyric acid alters the expression of adhesion molecules by Ca9-22 cells. The elucidation of the mechanism of action of butyric acid on the periodontium may help to clarify several aspects of the onset and progression of periodontal disease.