Abstract: Objective: To observe the expressions of IKKα-regulated Maspin in NF-κB non-classical pathway in human periodontal ligament cells (HPDLCs). Methods: HPDLCs were carried out using tissue culture method and identified by inverted microscope and SP immunohistochemistry. Cells were divided into blank control group (NC) and LPS_1-4 groups (LPS: 0.1,1,10,50 mg/L). Protein and mRNA levels of Maspin and IKKα were measured by Western Blot and RT-PCR respectively, and the secretions of TNF-α and IL-1β were tested using Elisa assay. Results: Maspin in HPDLCs was expressed in cytoplasm. Western blot showed that with the increase of LPS concentration, the expression of Maspin protein was down regulated and IKKα protein was up-regulated compared with NC group (P<0.05). The expression of mRNA was similar to that of protein expression. Secretions of TNF-α and IL-1β were enhanced accompanied with increasing concentrations of LPS, and negatively correlated with Maspin. Conclusion: The expression of Maspin in HPDLCs was down-regulated by LPS and showed a negative correlation with TNF-α and IL-1β, and may be regulated by NF-κB non-classical pathway IKKα.

Key words: Periodontitis, Maspin , HPDLCs, IKKα