关键词: 牙龈卟啉单胞菌, 牙周炎, 牙龈蛋白, 成骨细胞, 破骨细胞

Abstract: Gingipains are cysteine proteases produced by Porphyromonas gingivalis, one of the major virulent agents of periodontal diseases. On the one hand, gingipains promote the differentiation of osteoclasts to enhance osteoclast function by activating the osteoprotegerin(OPG)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) ligand(RANKL)/receptor activator of the NF-κB signaling pathways through degradation of OPG and induction of RANKL. On the other hand, gingipains inhibit osteoblast function by inducing osteoblast apoptosis through the external pathway mediated by the tumor necrosis factor receptor family and the mitochondrial pathway. These effects eventually lead to alveolar bone loss. This paper presents recent progress on gingipains and their effects on the functions of osteoclasts and osteoblasts.

Key words: Porphyromonas gingivalis, periodontitis, gingipains, osteoclasts, osteoblasts