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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Inducing Apical Periodontitis in Mice
Published on: August 6, 2019
Rhubarb extract attenuates periodontitis by modulating an MMP3-associated inflammatory-ferroptotic axis: Integrated
Yifei Hou1, Chongzheng Yan2, Hongxu Zhao1
1Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & Shandong Engineering Research Center of Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
Rhubarb extract combats periodontitis by reducing inflammation and ferroptosis, targeting matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3). This natural compound protects against bone loss and tissue damage, offering a novel therapeutic approach.
Area of Science:
- Periodontology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease causing tissue and bone loss.
- Rhubarb (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) possesses anti-inflammatory and redox-modulating properties.
- The precise therapeutic mechanism of rhubarb in periodontitis requires elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if rhubarb extract alleviates periodontal inflammatory injury.
- To investigate the role of matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3) in periodontitis and ferroptosis.
Main Methods:
- Rhubarb extract was analyzed using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS.
- Integrated network pharmacology, transcriptomics, and metabolomics identified targets.
- Mechanisms were validated using cell models (HGFs), MMP3 manipulation, molecular simulations, SPR, and a rat periodontitis model.
Main Results:
- Rhubarb extract, rich in anthraquinone derivatives, targets MMP3.
- It inhibited LPS-induced inflammation (NF-κB, cytokines) and ferroptosis (SLC7A11/GPX4 axis, lipid remodeling).
- Effects included reduced oxidative stress, iron accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and bone loss in vivo; MMP3 modulation influenced these outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Rhubarb extract mitigates experimental periodontitis by reducing inflammation and ferroptosis.
- It suppresses osteoclast-mediated bone resorption via an MMP3-associated inflammatory-ferroptotic axis.
- This highlights rhubarb as a potential therapeutic agent for periodontitis.
