Effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on periodontal tissue: An interdisciplinary evidence mapping - scoping review

Diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease are highly prevalent chronic disorders linked by bidirectional inflammatory and oxidative pathways. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are emerging pharmacologic agents with anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit periodontal tissues, although the available evidence remains limited. This scoping review aimed to map the available evidence on the effects of GLP-1 RA on periodontal tissues and their underlying mechanisms of action.

Following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and the PRISMA-ScR extension, a systematic search was conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, LILACS, and the Cochrane Library for studies evaluating the impact of GLP-1 RA in periodontal models or tissues, without date restriction. Records were screened against predefined eligibility criteria, and data were charted using a structured extraction form.

Seven studies, published between 2015 and 2022, met the inclusion criteria: three animal studies, three in vitro studies, and one mixed-design study; no clinical trial was identified. Liraglutide was the most studied agent (four out of seven studies). GLP-1 RA were associated with reduced pro-inflammatory signalling, attenuated alveolar bone resorption, and enhanced osteogenic differentiation, frequently through NF-κB/MAPK and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. One study showed reduced inflammatory markers without reduced bone loss.

Current evidence is exclusively preclinical, conducted predominantly with liraglutide, and insufficient to support any therapeutic indication. These findings identify a biologically plausible hypothesis that warrants strict future clinical investigation.