Effect of the antirheumatic medication methotrexate (MTX) on biomechanical compressed human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (hPDLFs)

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro effect of the antirheumatic drug methotrexate (MTX) on biomechanically compressed human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (hPDLFs), focusing on the expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6), as its upregulation is relevant to orthodontic tooth movement. Methods: Human PDLFs were subjected to pressure and simultaneously treated with MTX. Cell proliferation, viability and morphology were studied, as was the gene and protein expression of IL-6. Results: Compared with that in untreated fibroblasts, IL-6 mRNA expression in mechanically compressed ligament fibroblasts was increased (two to sixfold; ****p < 0.0001). Under compression, hPDLFs exhibited a significantly more expanded shape with an increase of cell extensions. MTX with and without pressure did not affect IL-6 mRNA expression or the morphology of hPDLFs. Conclusion: MTX has no effect on IL-6 expression in compressed ligament fibroblasts.