Autophagy: A Key Regulator of Periodontium Regeneration and Bone Repair

The precise maintenance of autophagy balance is crucial for periodontium regeneration. However, excessive activation of autophagy can sometimes impair the regeneration of stem cells. A previously published study'86' demonstrated that LPS-treated stem cells from the dental pulp showed elevated levels of autophagy-related proteins and autophagosomes. In this scenario, blocking autophagy for 24 hours before LPS administration partially restored the number of mineralized nodules, as well as the expression of DMP-1, Runx-2, and ALP. These findings imply that controlling the over-activation of autophagy at the onset of infection can protect cell function.

Taken together, the results suggest that autophagy plays a significant regulatory role in periodontitis. Given that bone regeneration is the most challenging aspect of periodontal tissue regeneration, and that oral tumors, trauma, and bone defects caused by congenital or acquired deformities are common, the following section will explore how to regulate autophagy to facilitate bone regeneration.