Significance Apolipoprotein E −/− (ApoE −/− ) mice deficient in nucleotide binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2) and subjected to an oral gavage of Porphyromonas gingivalis developed elevated serum inflammatory cytokines, cholesterol, alveolar bone loss, and atherosclerosis. Stimulation of NOD2 by Muramyl DiPeptide (MDP) in ApoE −/− mice reduced P. gingivalis -induced inflammatory cytokines, cholesterol, alveolar bone loss, and atherosclerosis by reducing the expression of inhibitor of NF-κB kinase-β, NF-κB, JNK mRNA, and TNF-α protein levels. A reduction in body weight gain was observed in ApoE −/− mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and injected with MDP compared to ApoE −/− mice fed a HFD but saline injected. MDP activation of NOD2 should be considered in the treatment of inflammatory processes affecting atherosclerosis, bone loss, and possibly, weight gain.

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RANKL antagonists and Kavain effectively reduced alveolar bone loss in P. gingivalis-induced periodontitis in our mice model. Compared with RANK-Fc, Kavain-treated animals showed milder improvement of bone and connective tissue inflammation. Therapeutic implications in the prevention of periodontal bone loss are discussed.