Progesterone-induced activation of progesterone receptor alleviates alveolar bone resorption and inflammatory response in periodontitis.

Objective: Progesterone (PG) and its target, progesterone receptor (PGR), are important regulators in inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to investigate the specific role of PG in periodontitis and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms involving PGR.

Methods: Women with periodontitis, including 250 with PG deficiency, 250 with PG supplementation, and 245 controls (normal PG) were enrolled. The distance between the cemento-enamel junction to the alveolar bone crest (CEJ-ABC) and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured by cone beam computed tomography, and the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in gingival crevicular fluid were measured by ELISA. In vitro, primary human periodontal mesenchymal stem cells (hPDLSCs) were isolated and treated with LPS in combination with PG and/or RU486 (a PGR antagonist). Osteogenic differentiation was assessed by immunofluorescence of Runx2, OCN, and ALP, and by Alizarin red staining. The inflammatory response was assessed by ELISA of IL-6 and TNF-α. Western blot was performed to evaluate the changes in the ERK/JNK/p38-MAPK signalling pathway.

Results: Significantly higher CEJ-ABC and lower BMD were found in some teeth in the PG deficiency group than in the control and PG supplementation groups. The GCF levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were also significantly higher in the PG deficiency group. At the cellular level, PGR was up-regulated by PG in LPS-treated hPDLSCs. PG inhibits the effects of LPS on inducing inflammatory response (IL-6 and TNF-α) and inhibiting osteogenic differentiation (Runx2, OCN, ALP, and mineralised nodules) in hPDLSCs, but RU864 reversed the above effects of PG. Additionally, PG-induced activation of PGR inhibited the ERK/JNK/p38-MAPK signalling pathway in LPS-treated hPDLSCs.

Conclusions: In women with periodontitis, the alveolar bone resorption and inflammation were more pronounced with PG deficiency. In vitro, PG-induced activation of PGR signalling inhibited inflammation and promoted osteogenesis in hPDLSCs. PG supplementation may be a potential strategy to alleviate periodontitis.