Effects of imperatorin on chronic periodontitis associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Periodontitis is a common complication of type 2 diabetes. Imperatorin is a traditional Chinese medicinal compound recognized for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-tumor properties. Nevertheless, the impact of imperatorin on chronic periodontitis and chronic periodontitis associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus remains unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of imperatorin on chronic periodontitis associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

A in vivo animal model of type 2 diabetes mellitus associated with periodontitis was successfully established through confirmation by Micro-CT and HE staining. Additionally, periodontal membrane fibroblasts were cultured with high glucose in vitro. The purinergic receptors P2Y1 and chemokine (CC motif) ligand (CCL5) were identified using qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot. Changes in expression of TNF-α and IL-1β were assessed using qPCR, Western blot, and ELISA.

Imperatorin treatment significantly reduced the fluorescence intensity of intracellular free calcium ions in the HEK293 cells transfected with P2Y1 receptors. Results from Micro-CT and HE staining demonstrated improvement in periodontitis of the model group following treatment of imperatorin. Furthermore, cytotoxicity of cultured fibroblasts induced by high glucose was inhibited by imperatorin treatment. The expression of P2Y1, CCL5, TNF-α, and IL-1β at mRNA and protein level was upregulated in the model group both in vivo and in vitro; however, these changes were counteracted following imperatorin treatment.

Imperatorin demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties for alleviating periodontitis in type 2 diabetes while promoting alveolar bone regeneration; the underlying molecular mechanism may be associated with the downregulation of P2Y1 receptor and CCL5.