Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition comprising of mainly, the gingivitis and periodontitis, that causes progressive destruction of the periodontium, ultimately resulting in tooth loss if left untreated.1 It is particularly more prevalent among elderly population and is not uncommon in younger individuals.2 The oral cavity contains around 700 species of bacteria, thus forming a unique and complex microbial environment with diverse ecosystem, many of which plays a vital role in the onset and advancement of periodontitis.3
The Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells (PDLSCs) are one of the key host factors in periodontal regeneration, notable for its properties such as immunomodulation, multipotency, etc. These PDLSCs are a specific subgroup of mesenchymal stem cells which has osteogenesis and regeneration properties, rendering them especially advantageous for applications related to periodontal disorders. Due to their multipotential capacity to differentiate into various types of cells, PDLSCs can modulate immune responses enables effective and sustained periodontal repair. Upon activation, PDLSCs migrate to the site of concern and facilitate tissue regeneration through differentiation and secretion of bioactive substances. Hence, PDLSCs are considered the ideal cellular source for periodontal repair and regeneration.4
The human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells (hPDLSCs) are usually triggered during inflammatory periodontal conditions Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a potent endotoxin present in the outer membrane of the highly asymmetric phospholipid bilayer of gram-negative bacteria. LPS is a significant microbiological contributor to periodontal disease as it forms the initial interface between bacterial pathogens and the human immune system.5 LPS induces an inflammatory response that degrades bone and connective tissue. As the disease progresses, LPS elevates the concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukins and C-reactive proteins.6 It results in gingival bleeding, recession, and in extreme cases, mobility and tooth loss.7 Among gram-negative bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis is regarded as the keystone bacterium in the pathophysiology of periodontitis. The lipopolysaccharides (LPS) of P. gingivalis is especially effective in sustaining chronic inflammation by activating Toll-like receptors (TLRs), notably TLR4, which in turn initiates downstream signalling cascades involving transcription factors like nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), thus resulting in the synthesis of diverse inflammatory mediators.8
Recognizing the constraints of traditional treatment approaches, natural compounds with anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties are gaining significant interest. Quercetin (Qrn), a plant-derived polyphenolic flavonoid, is abundant in fruits (e.g., apples, berries, grapes), vegetables (e.g., onions, broccoli, cabbage), and other plant parts like seeds and leaves.9,10 Quercetin is known for its broad-spectrum pharmacological activities, including anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, antiviral, and cardiovascular protective effects.11 It has been approved by the U.S. FDA as a component in antioxidant and anti-allergic formulations.12
Mechanistically, Quercetin exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes, which are key mediators in the arachidonic acid pathway8. Moreover, it has been demonstrated to reduce oxidative stress, diminish osteoblast apoptosis, and inhibit RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis.13
This study investigated the osteogenic potential of Quercetin in an LPS-induced inflammatory environment using hPDLSCs, evaluating osteogenic gene markers (OPN and OCN) to determine its efficacy in restoring osteogenic differentiation under inflammatory stress conditions.