Liraglutide regulates bone destruction and exhibits anti-inflammatory effects in periodontitis in vitro and in vivo

Objectives: This study investigated the effect of Liraglutide (LIRA) on osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) stimulated by Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (Pg-LPS) and its mechanismin in vitro. Further, investigated the osteoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of LIRA in periodontitis in vivo. Materials and methods: ALP staining, Alizarin red staining(AR-S), qRT-PCR, Western Blot, and immunofluorescence staining were used to elucidate the effect of LIRA on osteogenesis of hPDLCs. Western Blot was performed to evaluate the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling-related protein. Moreover, male Wistar rats model of periodontitis were established to assess the anti-inflammatory and osteoprotective effect of LIRA in vivo. Results: After LIRA treatment, the formation of mineralized nodules was increased, the expression of ALP and Runx2 were upregulated. Moreover, Pg-LPS strongly activated the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway and reduced the osteogenesis of hPDLCs. But these effects were reversed by LIRA. The in vivo results showed that treatment with LIRA resulted in reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in periodontal tissues and decreased concentrations of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6, and it reduced alveolar bone resorption. Conclusions: Systemic administration of LIRA solution is a potential treatment for reducing inflammation and bone loss in periodontal disease. This suggests that LIRA can be used as a potential drug for the treatment of periodontitis.