Overview on postmenopausal osteoporosis and periodontitis: The therapeutic potential of phytoestrogens against alveolar bone loss

Abstract

Osteoporosis and periodontitis are two major chronic diseases of postmenopausal women. The association between these two diseases are evident through systemic bone loss and alveolar bone loss. Both postmenopausal osteoporosis and periodontitis impose a considerable personal and socioeconomic burden. Biphosphonate and hormone replacement therapy are effective in preventing bone loss in postmenopausal osteoporosis and periodontitis, but they are coupled with severe adverse effects. Phytoestrogens are plant-based estrogen-like compounds, which have been used for the treatment of menopause-related symptoms. In the last decades, numerous preclinical and clinical studies have been carried out to evaluate the therapeutic effects of phytoestrogens including bone health. The aim of this article is to give an overview of the bidirectional interrelationship between postmenopausal osteoporosis and periodontitis, summarize the skeletal effects of phytoestrogens and report the most studied phytoestrogens with promising alveolar bone protective effect in postmenopausal osteoporosis model, with and without experimental periodontitis. To date, there are limited studies on the effects of phytoestrogens on alveolar bone in postmenopausal osteoporosis. Phytoestrogens may have exerted their bone protective effect by inhibiting bone resorption and enhancing bone formation. With the reported findings on the protective effects of phytoestrogens on bone, well-designed trials are needed to better investigate their therapeutic effects. The compilation of outcomes presented in this review may provide an overview of the recent research findings in this field and direct further in vivo and clinical studies in the future.

Boeravinone B, a natural rotenoid, inhibits osteoclast differentiation through modulating NF-κB, MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways

“…Osteoporosis is a health issue that affects older people worldwide and is caused by free radicals and inflammatory mediators, which activate osteoclasts and decrease bone density ( 20 ). Plant-derived antioxidants are being studied as a means to control this condition ( 5 , 21 , 22 ). On this basis, we hypothesized that boeravinones may represent attractive candidates for the control of osteoporosis.…”

Nutrition-Based Support for Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women: A Review of Recent Evidence

“…Isoflavones are the most commonly used and studied phytoestrogens, primarily found in soy and other legumes. 81 …”

“…Isoflavones are the most commonly used and studied phytoestrogens, primarily found in soy and other legumes. 81 The leading cause of postmenopausal osteoporosis is the depletion of estrogen and its ability to suppress osteoclast activity in the resorption phase and enhance apoptosis. Phytoestrogens, although with lower affinity, bind to the same receptor as endogenous estrogens, exerting similar effects.…”

“…83 Numerous animal and in vitro studies have shown that phytoestrogens reduce BMD loss by inhibiting bone resorption and promoting bone formation. 81,84 Although human research is still limited, recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses of controlled and randomized clinical trials have concluded that isoflavones could be beneficial in preserving BMD and reducing bone resorption in pre-and postmenopausal women. 85 In perimenopausal women, soy isoflavones reduced bone loss rate in the lumbar spine, according to a study by Somekawa et al, and glabrene, another isoflavone found in liquorice root, is considered a possible therapeutic alternative for osteoporosis prevention and treatment in this population.…”

Protective Effect of Long-Term Fermented Soybeans with Abundant Bacillus subtilis on Glucose and Bone Metabolism and Memory Function in Ovariectomized Rats: Modulation of the Gut Microbiota

“…Estrogen is responsible for several functions in the body, such as regulating the menstrual cycle, controlling energy, glucose, and lipid levels, maintaining bone mineral density (BMD), and cognitive function [1,2]. Menopausal symptoms include hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, Foods 2023, 12, 2958 2 of 20 and insomnia. In addition, menopause raises the risk of metabolic diseases along with obesity [1,2].…”