25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 Alleviates Experimental Periodontitis via Promoting Expression of Cathelicidin in Mice with Type 2 Diabetic Mellitus

J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2018;64(5):307-315. doi: 10.3177/jnsv.64.307.

Abstract

Type 2 diabetic mellitus is manifested by metabolic impairments with high prevalence worldwide, of which periodontitis represents a typical oral complication (also called diabetic periodontitis). Oral epithelia bear the brunt of periodontal damage from microscopic intruders; thus the defense function of epithelial cells is of vital significance. We have previously proved that 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OHD3) altered the expression of cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide in oral epithelial cells in vitro. Herein, we discovered that 25-OHD3 intraperitoneal injection attenuated periodontal inflammation by promoting cathelicidin production in gingival epithelia and reducing fasting glucose of diabetic mice. Dotblotting of serum showed cathelicidin secretion was consistent with 25-OHD3 treatment. Immunochemistry exhibited enhanced expression of cathelicidin and vitamin D receptors along with reduced expression of TLR4 in diabetic mice. Stereomicroscope showed less alveolar bone loss when injected with 25-OHD3.These results showed 25-OHD3 can promote cathelicidin and ameliorate the severity of diabetic periodontitis. Our study complemented the mechanism of cathelicidin and extended knowledge of 25-OHD3's role in diabetic periodontitis.

Keywords: 25-hydroxyvitamin D3; cathelicidin; oral epithelia; periodontitis; type 2 diabetic mellitus.

MeSH terms

  • Alveolar Bone Loss / prevention & control*
  • Animals
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / metabolism*
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / pharmacology
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / therapeutic use
  • Calcifediol / pharmacology*
  • Calcifediol / therapeutic use
  • Cathelicidins
  • Diabetes Complications / drug therapy
  • Diabetes Complications / metabolism*
  • Diabetes Complications / pathology
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / complications*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / drug therapy
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / metabolism
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / metabolism
  • Gingiva / drug effects*
  • Gingiva / metabolism
  • Gingiva / pathology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mouth Mucosa / drug effects
  • Mouth Mucosa / metabolism
  • Periodontitis / drug therapy
  • Periodontitis / etiology
  • Periodontitis / metabolism*
  • Periodontitis / pathology
  • Receptors, Calcitriol / metabolism
  • Vitamins / pharmacology
  • Vitamins / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides
  • Blood Glucose
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents
  • Receptors, Calcitriol
  • Vitamins
  • Calcifediol
  • Cathelicidins