Puerarin decreases bone loss and collagen destruction in rats with ligature-induced periodontitis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Puerarin, the most abundant isoflavonoid in kudzu root, shows various bioactivities, including bone-sparing, anti-inflammatory and antiproteinase properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of puerarin in a rat model of ligature-induced periodontitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

Rat models of periodontitis were developed by bilaterally placing ligatures around the first mandibular molars. Puerarin was administrated daily by gavage at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, starting a day before the placement of ligatures. Rats were humanely killed 7 d after the induction of periodontitis. Micro-computed tomography and sirius red staining were used to evaluate alveolar bone loss and collagen destruction, respectively. Histomorphometrical analysis was used to assess the inflammatory cell infiltration. Immunohistochemistry and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase were used to detect receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand and osteoprotegerin expressions, and osteoclast activity in the gingiva and alveolar bone. The activation of nuclear factor-kappa B, production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β, glycosylation of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer, and production of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in the gingiva were assessed by Western blot.

RESULTS:

Puerarin at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly reduced the alveolar bone loss compared with the vehicle group. Collagen destruction and inflammatory cell infiltration were significantly less in the puerarin-treated group (200 mg/kg) compared with that of the vehicle group. Puerarin (200 mg/kg) also reduced the ratio of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand/osteoprotegerin and osteoclast activity. Western blot analysis showed that puerarin (200 mg/kg) inhibited the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B p65, which is associated with lower IL-1β and TNF-α production, and reduced the glycosylation of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer, which is associated with lower levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9.

CONCLUSIONS:

Puerarin reduced the alveolar bone loss and collagen destruction in rats with ligature-induced periodontitis by inhibiting the production of RANKL, IL-1β, TNF-α, MMP-2 and MMP-9. Thus, puerarin can be considered a promising agent for adjunctive therapy of periodontitis.

• Authors: X Yang, H Zhang, J Wang, Z Zhang, C Li
• Journal: Journal of periodontal research (J Periodontal Res) Vol. 50 Issue 6 Pg. 748-57 (Dec 2015) ISSN: 1600-0765 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25645818 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Chemical References

• Enzyme Inhibitors
• Isoflavones
• Collagen
• puerarin

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Alveolar Bone Loss (prevention & control)
• Animals
• Bone and Bones (pathology)
• Collagen (metabolism)
• Disease Models, Animal
• Enzyme Inhibitors (administration & dosage)
• Gingiva (pathology)
• Histocytochemistry
• Immunohistochemistry
• Isoflavones (administration & dosage)
• Male
• Periodontitis (drug therapy, pathology)
• Rats, Sprague-Dawley
• Treatment Outcome
• X-Ray Microtomography