The Fungal Metabolite (+)-Terrein Abrogates Inflammatory Bone Resorption via the Suppression of TNF-α Production in a Ligature-Induced Periodontitis Mouse Model

Current periodontal treatment focuses on the mechanical removal of the source of infection, such as bacteria and their products, and there is no approach to control the host inflammatory response that leads to tissue destruction. In order to control periodontal inflammation, we have previously reported the optimization of (+)-terrein synthesis methods and the inhibitory effect of (+)-terrein on osteoclast differentiation in vitro. However, the pharmacological effect of (+)-terrein in vivo in the periodontitis model is still unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect of synthetic (+)-terrein on inflammatory bone resorption using a ligature-induced periodontitis mouse model. Synthetic (+)-terrein (30 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally twice a week to the mouse periodontitis model. The control group was treated with phosphate buffer. One to two weeks after the induction of periodontitis, the periodontal tissues were harvested for radiological evaluation (micro-CT), histological evaluation (HE staining and TRAP staining), and the evaluation of inflammatory cytokine production in the periodontal tissues and serum (quantitative reverse-transcription PCR, ELISA). The synthetic (+)-terrein-treated group suppressed alveolar bone resorption and the number of osteoclasts in the periodontal tissues compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, synthetic (+)-terrein significantly suppressed both mRNA expression of TNF-a in the periodontal tissues and the serum concentration of TNF-a (both p < 0.05). In conclusion, we have demonstrated that synthetic (+)-terrein abrogates alveolar bone resorption via the suppression of TNF-a production and osteoclast differentiation in vivo. Therefore, we could expect potential clinical effects when using (+)-terrein on inflammatory bone resorption, including periodontitis.

Automated summary

The current approach to treating periodontal disease focuses on removing the source of infection, but does not address the host inflammatory response that leads to tissue destruction. This study investigated the effects of synthetic (+)-terrein on inflammatory bone resorption in a mouse model of periodontitis. The results showed that (+)-terrein can suppress alveolar bone resorption by inhibiting TNF-a production and osteoclast differentiation. Therefore, (+)-terrein has potential clinical effects in treating inflammatory bone resorption, including periodontitis.