Abstract
Periodontitis is a common inflammatory disorder affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth, which can lead to the destruction of periodontal tissue and tooth loss. Resveratrol, a natural phytoalexin, exerts multiple biological effects. For example, its anti‑inflammatory activity has been widely studied for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease for a number of years. However, its effect on bone repair and new bone formation in an inflammatory microenvironment is not well understood. Accordingly, the effect of resveratrol on inflammation‑affected human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) requires further investigation. In the present study, the effect of tumor necrosis factor‑α (TNF‑α), resveratrol, or the combination of both on the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs, as well as the underlying mechanisms involved, were investigated. Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay, alkaline phosphatase staining, Alizarin red staining, Oil Red O staining, reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and western blotting were used in the present study. It was demonstrated that resveratrol enhanced hPDLSC osteogenesis and reversed the inhibitory effects of TNF‑α on this process. Further mechanistic studies indicated that resveratrol exerted anti‑inflammatory activity by activating the ERK1/2 pathway, decreasing the secretion of interleukin (IL)‑6 and IL‑8 induced by TNF‑α, and enhancing hPDLSCs osteogenesis. The present study suggested that resveratrol may be a novel and promising therapeutic choice for periodontitis.