Methylglyoxal is a toxic product derived from glucose metabolism that plays a role in inflammation, diabetes and aging. In addition, the periodontal pathogen Tannerella forsythensis may also generate this compound. However, the effects of methylglyoxal on gingival cells are still poorly understood. In the present study, we have explored whether methylglyoxal or methylglyoxal‐treated collagen may modulate cell viability, death and proliferation in gingival connective tissue cells. In addition, we have searched for inflammatory mediators secreted by cells upon exposure to these conditions.

Primary cultures of human gingival fibroblasts were stimulated with soluble methylglyoxal or cultured over a collagen matrix glycated by this agent. Cell viability was evaluated through the MTS assay. Cell death was assessed through DAPI nuclear staining, annexin V and propidium iodide assays. Cell proliferation was evaluated through double immunofluorescence for DAPI and Ki67. Protein levels of matrix metalloproteinases and cytokines were assessed through antibody arrays, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskall–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests.

Soluble methylglyoxal, but not culture of gingival fibroblasts over a methylglyoxal‐modified collagen matrix, induced a reduction on cell viability. Moreover, soluble methylglyoxal induced apoptotic cell death as indicated by DAPI nuclear staining, annexin V and propidium iodide assays. Neither soluble methylglyoxal, nor methylglyoxal‐modified collagen modified cell proliferation. Using an antibody array, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence assays, we determined that both, soluble methylglyoxal and methylglyoxal‐modified collagen stimulated an increase in tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1 protein levels.

Soluble methylglyoxal is a highly cytotoxic compound that induces cell death through apoptosis in gingival fibroblasts. TIMP‐1 is induced in these cells upon direct exposure to methylglyoxal or after culture of gingival fibroblasts over methylglyoxal‐treated collagen. As TIMP‐1 has been implicated in cell survival and matrix remodeling, we propose that increased TIMP‐1 protein levels may be part of a protective response of gingival connective tissue cells upon exposure to methylglyoxal or after the interaction with the collagen matrix that has been modified by this agent.