Puerarin decreases bone loss and collagen destruction in rats with ligature‐induced periodontitis

Background and Objective Puerarin, the most abundant isoflavonoid in kudzu root, shows various bioactivities, including bone‐sparing, anti‐inflammatory and antiproteinase properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of puerarin in a rat model of ligature‐induced periodontitis. Material and Methods Rat models of periodontitis were developed by bilaterally placing ligatures around the first mandibular molars. Puerarin was administrated daily by gavage at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, starting a day before the placement of ligatures. Rats were humanely killed 7 d after the induction of periodontitis. Micro‐computed tomography and sirius red staining were used to evaluate alveolar bone loss and collagen destruction, respectively. Histomorphometrical analysis was used to assess the inflammatory cell infiltration. Immunohistochemistry and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase were used to detect receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand and osteoprotegerin expressions, and osteoclast activity in the gingiva and alveolar bone. The activation of nuclear factor‐kappa B, production of tumor necrosis factor ( TNF )‐α and interleukin ( IL )‐1β, glycosylation of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer, and production of matrix metalloproteinase ( MMP )‐2 and MMP ‐9 in the gingiva were assessed by Western blot. Results Puerarin at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly reduced the alveolar bone loss compared with the vehicle group. Collagen destruction and inflammatory cell infiltration were significantly less in the puerarin‐treated group (200 mg/kg) compared with that of the vehicle group. Puerarin (200 mg/kg) also reduced the ratio of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand/osteoprotegerin and osteoclast activity. Western blot analysis showed that puerarin (200 mg/kg) inhibited the activation of nuclear factor‐kappa B p65, which is associated with lower IL ‐1β and TNF ‐α production, and reduced the glycosylation of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer, which is associated with lower levels of MMP ‐2 and MMP ‐9. Conclusions Puerarin reduced the alveolar bone loss and collagen destruction in rats with ligature‐induced periodontitis by inhibiting the production of RANKL , IL ‐1β, TNF ‐α, MMP ‐2 and MMP ‐9. Thus, puerarin can be considered a promising agent for adjunctive therapy of periodontitis.