A new study led by University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine researchers demonstrates that a protein called Del-1 can inhibit bone loss associated with periodontitis. Del-1 was also found to slow the activity of osteoclasts. The scientists found that applying Del-1 to the gums can inhibit inflammation and bone loss in a mouse model of periodontitis.
Penn Dental Blocks Bone Loss…Implications for Osteoporosis, RA
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“This is not just important for periodontitis, ” said George Hajishengallis, D.D.S., Ph.D. senior author on the work and the Thomas W. Evans Centennial Professor in the Department of Microbiology at Penn Dental Medicine, in the October 1, 2015 news release. “It could also have implications for other inflammatory diseases where bone loss is involved, like osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.”
Dr. Hajishengallis and colleagues have found Del-1 to be an issue in other inflammatory diseases, including multiple sclerosis, and are beginning to examine its role in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. The authors note that because Del-1 is a protein that the human body already produces, any drug that is based on it would likely be safer than some of the alternatives.
Dr. Hajishengallis told OTW, “Since Del-1 can inhibit inflammatory bone loss, it would be expected to be relevant to inflammatory-related bone pathologies, e.g. bone pathologies related with rheumatic diseases.”
“It is a long way from bench to the clinic for developing drugs.”
As for their current work, Dr. Hajishengallis told OTW, “We are developing mouse models of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis to test the therapeutic potential of Del-1 in the context of these diseases. However, it is hard to know how much can be accomplished in one year for work that is still in its infancy.”
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This is a fascinating development. In my practice we've seen similar outcomes with the revised protocol. The key differentiator seems to be patient selection criteria. Has anyone else noticed the correlation with BMI thresholds?
Great point. I'd push back slightly on the conclusion, the sample size in the cited study is too small to draw population-level inferences. That said, the directional signal is compelling and worth a larger RCT.
We implemented a similar approach last year. Early results are promising but we're still gathering 12-month follow-up data. Happy to share our protocol if anyone is interested.
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