Microscopic analyses of oral tissue samples from mice with colitis and periodontitis were conducted by researchers who observed significantly increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation in the periodontal tissues of mice with both colitis and periodontitis.
This study, published in hLife, is led by Professor Feng Chen (Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology) and Associate Chief Physician Chenggang Duan (Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology).
READ MORE: Matcha mouthwash inhibits bacteria that causes periodontitis
READ MORE: Commonly used alcohol-based mouthwash brand disrupts the balance of oral microbiome
The team sought to investigate whether the NOX2/ROS axis, a critical pathway in macrophages, was involved in the exacerbation of periodontitis by colitis. The researchers found that ROS levels were elevated in macrophages from the colitis and periodontitis groups, with increased expression of NADPH oxidase-related genes. This was particularly prominent in the M1-like macrophages, which were associated with higher ROS production and inflammatory cytokine release.
“These findings provide strong evidence that the NOX2/ROS axis plays a key role in the exacerbation of periodontitis in the presence of colitis,” says Professor Feng Chen.
Therapeutic potential
The team also tested the therapeutic potential of NOX2 inhibitors in mitigating periodontitis. The NOX2 inhibitor significantly reduced ROS levels and inflammation in the periodontal tissues of the colitis and periodontitis models, highlighting its potential as a treatment for patients with both conditions.
“These results offer new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying periodontitis and IBD comorbidity and suggest that targeting the NOX2/ROS pathway may provide a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of periodontitis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease,” says Professor Feng Chen.
Founders –F.C. was supported by grants-in-aid from the National Science Foundation China (No. 81991501) and the National Key R&D Program of China (2022YFA1206100 and 2022YFE0118300). T.X. was supported by the Research Foundation of Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology (PKUSS20230109).
No comments yet