The effects of methyl mercaptan on epithelial cell growth and proliferation

Aim: Previous studies have demonstrated that methyl mercaptan (CH3SH), one of the main causes of oral malodour, might contribute to the initiation and progression of periodontal disease. These studies suggested that CH3SH may affect the epithelial cells of the gingival crevice, which form a barrier to the penetration of microbial substances. In this study, the effects of CH3SH on the epithelial cells and gingival fibroblasts were investigated. Method: Human oral epithelial carcinoma cell line (KB), human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line (HSC-2), and human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) derived from healthy gingiva were used in this study. These cells were cultured in conditions of 5% CO2/95% air with or without CH3SH (10ng/ml or 50ng/ml) for 5 days. Cell numbers, proliferation and cytotoxicity were evaluated. Results: CH3SH inhibited epithelial cell growth and proliferation at the concentration of 50ng/ml, and a cytotoxic effect of CH3SH was also noted. On the other hand, HGF cells were not affected by 50ng/ml CH3SH. Conclusion: High concentrations of CH3SH such as 50ng/ml have an inhibitory effect on the growth and proliferation of epithelial cells, but not on those of fibroblasts.