Prevotella intermedia Induces Prostaglandin E2 via Multiple Signaling Pathways

Prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) plays important roles in the bone resorption of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis via specific prostaglandin receptors ( i.e., EP1-EP4). In this study, the authors examined whether Prevotella intermedia regulates PGE 2 production and EP expression in human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (hPDLs); they also explored the potential signaling pathways involved in PGE 2 production. P. intermedia induced PGE 2 production and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Indomethacin and NS-398 completely abrogated the P. intermedia–induced PGE 2 production without modulating COX-2 expression. Specific inhibitors of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, p38, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and protein kinase C—but not c-AMP and protein kinase A—significantly attenuated the P. intermedia–induced COX-2 and PGE 2 expression. P. intermedia reduced EP1 expression in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The results indicate that the COX-2-dependent induction of PGE 2 by P. intermedia in hPDLs is mediated by multiple signaling pathways.