Acemannan Induces Type I Collagen Synthesis in GF and PDL

Aloe vera gel has been reported its effect on the wound healing by induction of the fibroblast proliferation and collagen formation. Objectives: to investigate the effect of acemannan, polysaccharide isolated from Aloe vera gel, on the level of type I collagen mRNA and protein synthesis in primary cultured human gingival fibroblasts (GF) and periodontal fibroblasts (PDL). Methods: GF and PDL were treated with different concentrations of the acemannan ranging from 0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg/ml for 24 and 48 hours. The levels of type I collagen mRNA were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at 24 hours. The levels of type I collagen protein synthesis were measured by dot-blot analysis at 48 hours. Results: Acemannan, at concentration 0.25 and 0.5 mg/ml, significantly increased the type I collagen mRNA level of GF and PDL up to 130 and 20 percents, respectively, as compared to the control group. From dot-blot analysis revealed that acemannan at concentration 0.5 and 1 mg/ml increased the type I collagen synthesis of GF up to 11 and 65 percents, respectively. At concentration 0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg/ml, acemannan increased the type I collagen of PDL up to 20, 14 and 10 percents, respectively, as compared to the control group. Conclusions: From these results, acemannan seems to be an inducer for type I collagen synthesis in primary cultured gingival fibroblasts and periodontal fibroblasts. This study was supported by the National Science and Technology Development Agency, 2004.