Aromatase inhibitor anastrozole modifies cellular functions in gingival fibroblasts and endothelial cells: possible periodontal complications of aromatase inhibitor treatment.

Background Recent studies have shown that treatment with aromatase inhibitors contributes to an increased prevalence of periodontitis. Objective In this study, we assessed effects of the aromatase inhibitor anastrozole on cellular function of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and endothelial cells. Methods Expression levels of collagen, extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) were examined in HGFs exposed to anastrozole. Furthermore, inflammatory responses in HGFs cultured with anastrozole were evaluated in the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide. We also evaluated the vascular permeability and vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin expression of endothelial cells exposed to anastrozole. Results Anastrozole enhanced expression levels of collagen, ECM proteins, TIMPs, and inflammatory cytokines in HGFs, as well as vascular permeability of endothelial cells. In addition, anastrozole reduced expression levels of MMPs in HGFs and VE-cadherin in endothelial cells. Conclusion These results suggest that anastrozole modulates various cellular functions in HGFs and endothelial cells.