Method of Preventing Bone Loss and Periodontal Disease

Abstract

A method of controlling mammalian epoxy fatty acids levels in order to regulate the RANK, RANK-L, and OPG anti-inflammatory triad, thereby limiting inflammation, cancer, arthritic disease, and bone loss while promoting bone growth, remodeling, and regeneration.

Full Description

Bone homeostasis is maintained by a balance between bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. The anti-inflammatory system triad composed of RANK, RANK-L, and OPG orchestrates bone homeostasis by selectively activating osteoclasts and osteoblasts in a regulated fashion. In chronic osteolytic inflammatory diseases, such as periodontitis, the failure of endogenous resolution pathways seem to lead to bone loss and tissue destruction. Precise regulation of the RANK, RANK-L, and OPG triad promises a solution to this disease and many others.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have developed a method to regulate the RANK, RANK-L, and OPG signaling pathway. This method regulates the signaling system to limit inflammation, cancer, arthritic disease, and bone loss while promoting bone growth, remodeling, and regeneration. This method is based on the elevation and regulation of epoxy fatty acid (EpFA) levels, which is accomplished by the inhibition of the enzyme, soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). This method has proven effective to reduce bone loss in mice infected with periodontitis. Bioactive compounds are available that can be used topically for periodontal disease and have good pharmacokinetics and high oral availability for oral administration.

Applications

• Subjects having osteoporosis or periodontal disease
• Subjects having a bone fracture or broken bone
• Subjects who are exhibiting symptoms of bone loss
• Subjects who are suffering bone loss
• Subjects who may benefit from promotion of bone growth or regeneration

Features/Benefits

• Cost effective treatment
• Low potential for side effects
• Promotes the understanding of a crucial inflammatory system

Patent Status