Abstract:

Objective RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and bioinformatic analysis were combined and used to explore the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of naringenin (Nar) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs). Methods Cell counting kit-8, quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were adopted to detect the effects of Nar on the proliferation and expression of inflammatory factors in LPS-stimulated hPDLSCs, screening for the optimal anti-inflammatory concentration of Nar. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened using |log2FC|≥1 and P≤0.05 as criteria. Volcano plot analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, the String database, and the MCODE module of Cytoscape were utilized to select core genes and enriched pathways. The effects on the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway were verified using ELISA, qRT-PCR, and Western blot. Results Appropriate concentrations of Nar could alleviate the expression of inflammatory factors and promote the proliferation of hPDLSCs stimulated by LPS. The best anti-inflammatory effect was achieved with 20 μmol/L Nar. RNA-seq showed significant enrichment of inflammation-related signaling pathways. The anti-inflammatory effect of Nar was mediated by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, similar to the effect of the NF-κB inhibitor BAY 11-7802. Conclusion Nar could exert its anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, making it a potential therapeutic option for the adjuvant treatment of periodontitis.

Key words: naringenin, human periodontal ligament stem cells, anti-inflammatory effect, nuclear factor κB, RNA sequencing