Objectives:This study was performed to analyze the effects of total ginseng-saponin on activity of human periodontal ligament cells in vitro and on periodontal rearrangement in the rat in vivo.
Methods:For in vitro experiment, the periodontal ligament cells were isolated from extracted sound human teeth for orthodontic treatment. ginseng-saponin of 0,1,10,100,500µg/ml was administered into each cultured cells. The cell proliferation and activity were examined through measurement of absorbance and RT-PCR analyses. For in vivo experiment, the elastic band was inserted between first and second maxillary molars of rats for 3 weeks. From 3 days before removal of elastic band, they were injected intraperitoneally with ginseng-saponin of 50,100,200mg/kg in each experimental group and saline solution in control group everyday. And they were sacrificed according to the 5-day periods from the day of removal of elastic bands and were compared by histological examination among the groups.
Results:1. There was no difference of the absorbance in human periodontal ligament cells between the experimental of 0,1,10,100µg/ml ginseng-saponin and control groups, while it was decreased in the group of 500µg/ml ginseng-saponin.
2. The gene expression of ALP, fibronectin, DSP3, and COL1 was increased in the group of 1,10µg/ml ginseng-saponin, while it was decreased greatly except COL1 in the group of 100µg/ml.
3. There was no difference of the gene expression of TGF-b1 between the experimental of 1,10µg/ml and control group, while it was decreased greatly in the group of 100µg/ml.
4. The periodontal rearrangement of rats appeared faster in the experimental groups than in the control group.
5. The alveolar bone remodelling of rats appeared faster in the experimental groups than in the control group.
Conclusions:These results indicate that ginseng-saponin increased the activity of periodontal ligament cells and may stimulate the periodontal rearrangement after orthodontic treatment. So retention period after tooth movement can be decreased.