Therapeutic Potential of Liraglutide for Diabetes-Periodontitis Comorbidity: Killing Two Birds with One Stone

Background: The relationship between diabetes and periodontitis is bidirectional, and there is now consensus that periodontitis and diabetes are comorbid. There is a quest for a drug that can be used to treat both conditions simultaneously. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory and osteoprotective effects of liraglutide (LIRA) on periodontitis in diabetic rats.

Methods: Male Wistar rats ( = 46) were randomly divided into four groups: control group ( = 8), LIRA group ( = 8), diabetes-associated periodontitis+0.9% saline group (diabetic periodontitis (DP)+NaCl group, = 15), and diabetes-associated periodontitis+LIRA group (DP+LIRA group, = 15). LIRA treatment lasted for 4 weeks (300 g/kg/d) after establishment of a rat model of DP. The expression of IL-6, TNF-, and IL-1 was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The morphological changes of periodontal tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The absorption of alveolar bone and its ultrastructural changes were observed by histomorphometry and microcomputed tomography. The expression of receptor activator of NF-B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in alveolar bone was detected by immunohistochemistry. The levels of Runx2 mRNA and ALP mRNA in the gingival epithelium were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results: LIRA decreased alveolar bone resorption, improved the microstructure of alveolar bone, and reduced periodontal inflammation and damage ( < 0.05). LIRA also reduced blood glucose level and inhibited the secretion of serum IL-6, TNF-, and IL-1 ( < 0.05). In addition, after treatment with LIRA, the ratio of RANKL/OPG was reduced, and the expression levels of ALP mRNA and Runx2 mRNA were upregulated ( < 0.05).

Conclusions: LIRA not only controls blood glucose level but also reduces inflammation and bone loss and enhances osteogenic differentiation in diabetes-associated periodontitis. Those indicate that LIRA may be used as a potential medicine for the adjunctive therapy of diabetes-periodontitis comorbidity.