Induction of vascular endothelial growth factor expression in human pulp fibroblasts stimulated with black-pigmented Bacteroides

Aim: To investigate the effect of black-pigmented Bacteroides on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene in human pulp fibroblasts. Methodology: The supernatants of Porphyromonas endodontalis, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia were used to evaluate VEGF gene expression in human pulp fibroblasts. The levels of mRNAs were measured by the quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis. Results: Black-pigmented Bacteroides induced significantly high levels of VEGF mRNA gene expression in human pulp fibroblasts (P < 0.05). In addition, the expression of VEGF depended on the bacteria tested. Conclusions: Black-pigmented Bacteroides may be involved in developing pulpal disease through the stimulation of VEGF production that would lead to the expansion of the vascular network coincident to progression of the inflammation.