CB1 enhanced the osteo/dentinogenic differentiation ability of periodontal ligament stem cells via p38 MAPK and JNK in an inflammatory environment

Objectives: Periodontitis is an inflammatory immune disease that causes periodontal tissue loss. Inflammatory immunity and bone metabolism are closely related to periodontitis. The Cannabinoid Receptor I (CB1) is an important constituent of the endocannabinoid system and participates in bone metabolism and inflammation tissue healing. It is unclear whether CB1 affects the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) function involved in periodontal tissue regeneration. In this study, we revealed the role and mechanism of CB1 in the osteo/dentinogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) in an inflammatory environment.

Materials and methods: Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activity, Alizarin Red staining, quantitative calcium analysis and osteo/dentinogenic markers were used to assess osteo/dentinogenic differentiation. Real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting were employed to detect gene expression.

Results: CB1 overexpression or CB1 Agonist (10 µM R-1 Meth) promoted the osteo/dentinogenic differentiation of PDLSCs. Deletion of CB1 or the application of CB1 Antagonist (10 µM AM251) repressed the osteo/dentinogenic differentiation of PDLSCs. The activation of CB1 enhanced the TNF-α- and INF-γ-impaired osteo/dentinogenic differentiation potential in PDLSCs. Moreover, CB1 activated p38 MAPK and JNK signalling and repressed PPAR-γ and ERK1/2 signalling. Inhibition of JNK signalling could block CB1-activated JNK and p38 MAPK signalling, while CB1 could activate p38 MAPK and JNK signalling, which was inhibited by TNF-α and INF-γ stimulation.

Conclusions: CB1 was able to enhance the osteo/dentinogenic differentiation ability of PDLSCs via p38 MAPK and JNK signalling in an inflammatory environment, which might be a potential target for periodontitis treatment.