Researchers have discovered a way to prevent bacterial-induced periodontal bone loss by inhibiting the natural immune response to infection and reducing inflammation.

Periodontitis occurs as a response to bacterial pathogens, most notably Porphyromonas gingivalis. The enzyme GSK3β has been found to play a key role in directing the natural immune response to the infected area and stimulating the progressive inflammation that can cause gum to lose its attachment to teeth and results in bone loss.

Adamowicz et al.1 hypothesised that the cell permeable GSK3-specific inhibitor, SB216763, could block this signalling pathway and thus protect against the inflammation process and subsequent bone loss. Mice were infected with P. gingivalis and then administered with the GSK3-inhibitor after showing signs of systemic inflammation, which significantly reduced the pathogen-induced bone destruction.

Further testing is needed to rule out any side effects before this mechanism can be trialled in human studies, but the scientists hope to establish their method as an effective preventive therapy against periodontal disease progression.

The results are not only important for the prevention of gum disease but potentially other chronic inflammatory diseases where GSK3β plays a key role in the inflammatory signalling pathways.