Abstract
Degradation of extra-cellular matrices is an integral pathophysiological part in periodontitis. Previously, we have isolated "aggressive fibroblasts" derived from severe periodontitis regions from human patients and established an in vitro periodontitis model using a three dimensional (3D) culture system. We have been screened candidate drugs for periodontitis by evaluating inhibition of collagen degradation employing this model. Although several drugs effectively inhibited collagen gel degradation, some of them have resulted fragile collagen gel. Therefore, we tried to evaluate collagen gel "softness" using ball indentation tests together with residual amount of collagen. Evaluation of candidate drugs by the Young's modulus of in vitro periodontitis model was useful, and one of the drugs (herbal medicines) successfully improved "softness" of the gel. These results suggested that the measurement of the Young's modulus of in vitro periodontitis model may be a useful tool for screening of candidate drugs for periodontitis.
