Embelin enhances the osteogenic potential of LPS-induced periodontal ligament stem cells by activating AMPK and SIRT1.

Purpose: To investigate the role of embelin in periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) in an in vitro model of periodontitis. Methods: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated PDLSCs was used to construct a periodontitis cell model. PDLSCs in the treatment group were pretreated with different concentrations of Embelin, and CCK-8 and TUNEL staining were used to analyze cell viability and apoptosis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used to evaluate the levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and MCP-1) while reactive oxygen species levels were assessed by 2',7'- dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining. Subsequently, osteogenic marker, ALP activity and protein expression levels of Runx2, OCN and BMP-2 in PDLSCs were evaluated by western-blot assay; AMPK and SIRT1 levels were also determined using Western blot assay. Results: Embelin pretreatment inhibited PDLSCs apoptosis, inflammatory factors, and oxidative stress, but up-regulated ALP, Runx2, OCN, and BMP-2 levels (p < 0.05). In addition, AMPK phosphorylation and SIRT1 protein levels were regulated by embelin (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Embelin exerts anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and osteogenic differentiation effects in LPS-induced PDLSCs cells in vitro by activating AMPK/SIRT1 signaling. Therefore, the compound has potentials for use in the management of periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]