Production of endogenous hydrogen sulfide in human gingival tissue

Abstract Objective Endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) has recently been shown to play an important role in inflammation, but the role of endogenous H 2 S in the human gingival tissue is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether gingiva had enzymes for H 2 S synthesis, and whether the effect of these enzymes for H 2 S production changed with periodontal inflammation. Design Gingival tissues were collected from patients undergoing periodontal operation including gingivitis, moderate chronic periodontitis, severe chronic periodontitis and normal controls. RT-PCR and western blotting were performed to measure mRNA and protein levels of cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) for H 2 S production. Immunohistochemistry was carried out to detect the location of the enzymes. H 2 S levels and synthesis in gingival tissue were evaluated with modified methylene blue method. Results The mRNA and protein of CBS and CSE were both expressed in human gingiva and raised significantly in moderate and severe periodontitis compared of that in healthy control. CBS, but not CSE, increased in gingivitis ( p  2 S level and synthesis among these groups ( p  > 0.05). Conclusions Both CBS and CSE were expressed in human gingival tissue. The mRNA and protein levels of CBS and CSE were up-regulated in periodontitis.