Diosgenin prevents periodontitis by inhibiting inflammation and promoting osteogenic differentiation

Diosgenin, an essential dietary steroidal sapogenin, possess multiple pharmacological activities. This study aimed to assess the effects of diosgenin on periodontitis and elucidate the mechanisms. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLCs) and a Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g) plus ligation-induced animal model were used for in vitro and in vivo studies, respectively. Inflammatory responses, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kappa B) signaling and osteogenesis-related markers were measured both in LPS-stimulated hPDLSCs and in gingival tissue of periodontitis rats. Treatment with diosgenin significantly inhibited the production of tumor necrosis factor a (TNF-alpha), interleukin (IL)-1 beta, and interleukin (IL)-6 and the activation of NF-kappa B pathway in LPS-stimulated hPDLSCs. Further, treatment with diosgenin enhanced the expression of osteoblast-related genes and increased the osteogenic differentiation capacity. Further, activation NF-kappa B pathway largely abolished the protective effects of diosgenin. Consistent with the in vitro studies, in vivo studies showed that administering diosgenin to periodontitis rats significantly lowered the levels of the TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 and the inflammatory transcription factor NF-kappa B in gingival tissue. In addition, osteoblast-related genes were promoted. Diosgenin attenuates periodontitis by adjusting NF-kappa B signaling to inhibit inflammatory effects and promoting osteogenesis, suggesting diosgenin might be developed as a therapeutic strategy for treating periodontitis in the future.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effects of diosgenin on periodontitis and found that it inhibited inflammatory responses and the activation of NF-kappa B pathway while promoting osteogenesis. Administering diosgenin to periodontitis rats also reduced the levels of inflammatory factors and NF-kappa B in gingival tissue, and promoted the expression of osteoblast-related genes. These findings suggest that diosgenin may be a potential therapeutic strategy for treating periodontitis in the future.