OBJECTIVEThis study aimed to investigate the effects of hirudin on the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF-β1) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) in vitro, as well to explore its func- tion in the mechanism of gingival remodeling.

METHODSAfter culturing was performed with classic tissue-explant method, HGFs were derived from normal gingival and gingival hyperplasia tissues followed by orthodontic treatments with different concentrations of hirudin. The mRNA and protein expression levels of TGF-β1 and bFGF were respectively detected by real time quantity polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry.

RESULTSCompared with normal HGFs, TGF-β1 expression promoted collagen synthesis of fibroblasts, whereas bFGF collagen synthesis was decreased in hyperplasia HGFs without hirudin (P < 0.05). Hirudin significantly upregulated the expression levels of bFGF but downregulated TGF-β1 in hyperplasia HGFs (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONOrthodontic force may influence the balance of collagen synthesis and degradation in HGFs. Hirudin may modulate the balance of HGF collagen metabolism, thereby promoting gingival remodeling.