Artesunate Promotes Bone Remodeling Through TRAF6-Mediated NF-κB Signaling Under Orthodontic Stress in Diabetic Rats

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Orthodontics
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus impairs bone remodeling, negatively affecting orthodontic tooth movement.
• Hyperglycemia and mechanical stress exacerbate bone resorption and hinder bone formation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of artesunate (ART) on bone remodeling in diabetic rats under orthodontic stress.
• To investigate the underlying mechanisms of ART action in vitro.

Main Methods:

• Established a type 2 diabetes mellitus rat model with orthodontic tooth movement.
• Administered ART and/or metformin (Met) orally.
• Assessed periodontium changes and molecular mechanisms (TRAF6, NF-κB, OPG/RANKL/RANK) using various staining, molecular docking, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting techniques.

Main Results:

• ART enhanced bone metabolism and osteogenesis, even with hyperglycemia and mechanical stress.
• ART alone or with Met promoted osteogenesis and increased osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression.
• ART decreased TRAF6, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) expression, indicating reduced osteoclast activity.

Conclusions:

• Artesunate (ART) administration promotes bone remodeling in diabetic rats under orthodontic stress.
• ART improves osteogenesis and inhibits osteoclast function via the OPG/TRAF6/NF-κB signaling pathway.
• ART offers a potential therapeutic strategy for managing orthodontic tooth movement in diabetic patients.