Abstract: [Abstract] Objective To investigate the influence of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) on autophagy of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) in vitro. Methods The hPDLCs were isolated from premolars extracted for orthodontic purpose and cultured in vitro using tissue culture method. hPDLCs was treated with different concentrations of AGEs (200μg/ml AGEs), and DMEM was used as negative control group (bovine serum albumin BSA). After0， 1，3，6 and 9 h of culture, these results were further substantiated by Western blot analysis、 electron microscopy and Immunofluorescence. Results We found that the lysosome activity significantly increased in AEGs group by electron microscopy and Immunofluorescence. Compared with 0h, the LC3-Ⅱ expression declined in AGEs group and negative control group at 1h. But after 1h, the LC3-Ⅱ expression was elevated and reached highest point at 3h in AGEs group, while remained unchanged in negative control group. Conclusion AGEs can strongly induce autophagy of the hPDLCs in vitro.

Key words: Advanced glycation end products, human periodontal ligament cells, autophagy