Application of modified multifunctional short peptide in the treatment of periodontitis

Abstract

Abstract Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease involving plaque biofilm as a pathogenic factor. Currently, it has been found that regulating local inflammatory homeostasis can achieve the goal of treating diseases. Potassium ion plays an important role in cellular homeostasis; a large outflow of potassium may lead to local inflammation progression. In this work, the multifunctional short peptide molecule BmKTX-33 was designed by modifying the BmKTX, a Kv1.3 potassium channel inhibitor. This study was to explore its antibacterial properties, capability of maintaining cell ion homeostasis, and bone-forming capacity. The results showed that BmKTX-33 had inhibitory effects on S. gordonii, F. nucleatum, and P. gingivalis. Moreover, BmKTX-33 also inhibited excessive potassium outflow in inflammatory environments. Finally, BmKTX-33 promoted MC3T3-E1's early osteogenesis while suppressing the NLRP3 inflammasome's production. In conclusion, BmKTX-33 not only had antibacterial properties but also inhibited excessive potassium ion outflow, thus inhibiting the production of NLRP3 inflammatory bodies and promoting early bone formation.