Biology of Drug-Induced Gingival Hyperplasia: In Vitro Study of the Effect of Nifedipine on Human Fibroblasts

Background: It has been proven that the antihypertensive agent nifedipine can cause gingival overgrowth as a side effect. The aim of this study was to analyze effects pharmacological treatment with on human fibroblasts activity, investigating possible pathogenetic mechanisms lead onset enlargement. Methods: expression profile 57 genes belonging “Extracellular Matrix and Adhesion Molecules” pathway, fibroblasts’ viability at different drug concentrations, E-cadherin levels in treated were assessed using real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction, PrestoBlue™ cell test, an enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA), respectively. Results: Metalloproteinase 24 8 (MMP24, MMP8) showed significant upregulation cells respect control group, adhesion gene CDH1 (E-cadherin) recorded increased both PCR ELISA. Downregulation observed for transmembrane receptors ITGA6 ITGB4, basement membrane constituent LAMA1 LAMB1, extracellular matrix protease MMP11, MMP16, MMP26. Conclusions: obtained data suggested pathogenesis nifedipine-induced is characterized by excessive accumulation collagen due inhibition intracellular degradation pathways.