The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of high glucose on prostaglandin E2 production in human gingival fibroblasts and periodontal ligament cells in vitro. In control group, the cells(5×10⁴ cells/ml) were cultured with Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium contained with 10% fetal bovine serum, 45mg/dl glucose. In experimental groups, glucose was added to the above culture condition at the final glucose concentrations of 100mg/dl(Test group 1), 200mg/dl (Test group 2) and 400mg/dl(Test group 3). Then each group was tested for the cell proliferation rate, protein levels, and prostaglandin E2 production at ½, 1, 2, 5 days.

The results were as follows ;

As glucose concentration increased, cell proliferation rate decreased significantly at 1, 2, 5 days in human gingival fibroblasts and periodontal ligament cells(P<0.01).

In human gingival fibroblasts, test group 2 and 3 showed significantly decreased protein levels as compared to control group at 5 days(P<0.01).

In human periodontal ligament cells, as glucose concentration increased, protein levels decreased significantly at 2 days and 5 days(P<0.01).

Prostaglandin E2 production in human gingival fibroblasts and human periodontal ligament cells significantly increased as glucose concentration increased(P<0.01).

The results at 5 days showed obvious difference as compared to those at 2 days.

From the above results, high glucose appeared to affect cellular activities including cell proliferation rate, protein levels and enhance prostaglandin E2 production. It was assumed that prostaglandin E₂ production by high glucose enhances inflammatory reaction and has a toxic effect on human gingival fibroblasts and human periodontal ligament cells. This study suggests that periodontal disease in diabetic patient is related to prostaglandin E2 production.