Isoimperatorin alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced periodontitis by downregulating ERK1/2 and NF-κB pathways

Chronic periodontitis is an inflammatory disease characterized by inflammation of the soft tissues of the gums. To combat this disease, more effective drugs are still needed to identify and develop. Isoimperatorin is a kind of a natural compound, which has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antitumor, antivirus, and other pharmacological effects. However, its possible effects on the progression of chronic periodontitis are still unclear. In this study, we used human periodontal membrane fibroblasts (hPDLCs), human bone marrow-derived macrophages, and found that isoimperatorin reduced hPDLCs viability. In addition, isoimperatorin alleviated the oxidative stress of periodontal membrane cells. Isoimperatorin reduced proinflammatory factor secretion and receptor activator for nuclear factor-kappa B ligand-induced osteoclast differentiation in periodontal membrane cells. Further, isoimperatorin inhibited the activation of ERK1/2 and nuclear factor-kappa B pathways. We, therefore, thought isoimperatorin could serve as a promising drug for the treatment of this disease.

Automated summary

Chronic periodontitis is an inflammatory disease characterized by gum tissue inflammation. This study found that isoimperatorin reduced viability of human periodontal membrane fibroblasts and alleviated oxidative stress in these cells. Isoimperatorin also reduced proinflammatory factor secretion and osteoclast differentiation in periodontal membrane cells. Furthermore, isoimperatorin inhibited the activation of ERK1/2 and nuclear factor-kappa B pathways. Isoimperatorin could therefore be a promising drug for the treatment of chronic periodontitis.