Effect of zoledronic acid on cell proliferation and apoptosis of human periodontal fibroblasts

Abstract

To observe the effect of different concentrations of zoledronic acid on human gingival fibroblast (HGF) cells proliferation and apoptosis, and to investigate the mechanism of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) caused by zoledronic acid. Different concentrations (0, 0.5, l.0, 5.0, 10.0 µmol/L) of zoledronic acid acted on the HGF. After 24 hours, flow cytometry was used to detect the rate of apoptosis and methyl thiazolyl terazolium (MTT) assay used to observe the proliferation of HGF. The effect of different concentrations of zoledronic acid on cell proliferation was examined by proliferation test on day 2, 4 and 7. Flow cytometry showed that when the concentration of zoledronic acid was 0, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0, 10.0 µmol/L, the apoptosis rate was (0.67 ± 0.50)%, (2.13 ± 0.21)%, (3.27 ± 0.23)%, (4.17 ± 0.35)%, (9.87 ± 1.79)% respectively. The difference in HGF cells between control group and zoledronic acid groups was significant (P < 0.05) at three concentrations of zoledronic acid (1.0, 5.0, 10.0 µmol/L). The cell proliferation test showed an concentration-time dependent effect. With increase of concentration and time, the cell proliferation was significantly inhibited. There was significant difference in absorbance value among the different concentration groups (P < 0.05). Zoledronic acid can inhibit HGF proliferation and promote its apoptosis.