Effect of different types of experimental periodontitis models on periodontal tissue damage and the cGASSTING signaling pathway in mice

doi:10.19439/j.sjos.2026.03.004

Abstract

Abstract: PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of different types of experimental periodontitis models on periodontal tissues in mice and explore their potential molecular mechanisms. METHODS: Three models of experimental periodontitis in mice were established: ligature alone, ligature combined with local Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) injection, and ligature combined with local Pg topical application. Micro-CT was used to analyze bone volume (BV), bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), and bone mineral density (BMD). Histological analyses, including HE and Masson's trichrome staining, were performed to assess changes in alveolar bone. TRAP staining was used to detect osteoclast numbers. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, cGAS, and STING. RT-qPCR was used to measure the expression of cGAS-STING pathway-related genes, including STING, IFN-β, and TBK1. RESULTS: Compared with the ligature alone and ligature + Pg injection groups, mice in the ligature + Pg topical application group exhibited the most severe alveolar bone loss and the highest number of osteoclasts. Compared with the control group, this model showed significantly increased expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, cGAS, and STING in periodontal tissues, as well as upregulated expression of cGAS-STING pathway-related genes STING, IFN-β, and TBK1. CONCLUSIONS: The ligature combined with local Pg topical application induces more severe periodontal bone loss in mice, and its underlying mechanism may be associated with activation of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway.

Key words: Periodontitis, Animal model, Ligature, Bone loss

CLC Number:

R781.4

Qian Xueshen, Lin Xuxin, Hu Weiqiang, Chen Jiao, Xia Rong, Jia Xiaofeng. Effect of different types of experimental periodontitis models on periodontal tissue damage and the cGASSTING signaling pathway in mice[J]. Shanghai Journal of Stomatology, 2026, 35(3): 245-251.

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