Zanthoxylum piperitum reversed alveolar bone loss of periodontitis via regulation of bone remodeling-related factors

Ethnopharmacological relevanceZanthoxylum piperitum (ZP) has been used to prevent toothache in East Asia.Aim of studyIn this study, we investigated the effects of ZP on periodontitis along with alveolar bone loss.Materials and methodsTwenty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned into 4 groups; non-ligated (NOR), ligated and treated vehicle (CTR), ligated and treated 1 mg/mL ZP (ZP1), and ligated and treated 100 mg/mL ZP (ZP100). Sterilized 3-0 nylon ligature was placed into the subgingival sulcus around the both sides of mandibular first molar. After topical application of 1 and 100 mg/mL ZP for 2 weeks, mandibles was removed for histology. In addition, SaOS-2 osteoblast cells were treated 1, 10 and 100 μg/mL ZP for 24 h to analyze the expressions of alveolar bone-related markers.ResultsSeveral alveolar bone resorption pits, which indicate cementum demineralization were decreased by ZP treatment. Topical ZP treatment inhibited periodontitis-induced alveolar bone loss. In addition, there were significant reduction of osteoclastic activities following topical ZP treatment in periodontium. The expression of RANKL was decreased in SaOS-2 osteoblast cells by treating ZP, while that of OPG was increased. ZP treatment increased the expressions of Runx2 and Osterix in SaOS-2 cells.ConclusionIn summary, ZP treatment inhibited alveolar bone loss as well as maintained the integrity of periodontal structures via regulation of bone remodeling. ZP may be a therapeutic target for treating periodontitis.

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