Vagus nerve stimulation alleviates alveolar bone loss and inflammation in ligature-induced periodontitis rat model

Honghui Xie; Ping Huang; Aihong Tan; Zhijian Su; Ying Fu

doi:10.1590/

Authors

Honghui Xie Changsha Stomatological Hospital. Department of Endodontics https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6259-3670
Ping Huang Deyang People’s Hospital. Department of Stomatology https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2091-0342
Aihong Tan Changsha Stomatological Hospital. Department of Endodontics https://orcid.org/0009-0000-4837-4122
Zhijian Su Changsha Stomatological Hospital. Department of Endodontics https://orcid.org/0009-0000-4213-6545
Ying Fu Karamay Central Hospital. The Second Medical College of Xinjiang. Department of Stomatology https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5032-6146

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/

Keywords:

Vagus nerve stimulation, Periodontitis, Alveolar bone loss, Inflammation, α7-nAChR

Abstract

Objective Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) can inhibit inflammation in various diseases by activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. However, whether VNS could attenuate periodontitis by activating α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR) remains unknown. Methodology Ligature induction was utilized to establish the periodontitis rat model. Periodontal indices like bleeding, tooth mobility, and probing depth, were measured. Bone mineral density, trabecular thickness, and length of the cement-enamel junction to the alveolar bone crest were analyzed using micro-CT. Immunohistochemistry assessed bone morphology and inflammatory levels. Inflammatory cytokines were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. For the in vitro inflammation model, RAW264.7 cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharides and acetylcholine to study inflammatory responses. Results VNS significantly improved periodontal health and reduced alveolar bone loss in periodontitis rats. VNS alleviated inflammation by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18, enhanced bone formation, and activated the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, as evidenced by increased α7-nAChR expression. Additionally, acetylcholine activation of α7-nAChR in RAW264.7 cells inhibited pro-inflammatory responses and promoted anti-inflammatory responses. Conclusion These findings suggest that VNS can effectively reduce inflammation and improve periodontal outcomes in periodontitis.

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Vagus nerve stimulation alleviates alveolar bone loss and inflammation in ligature-induced periodontitis rat model

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