The antibiotic erythromycin and its derivative, which lack antibacterial activity, improved the healing of jaw and hip bones in aged mice. This was demonstrated by an experiment whose results were published in the journal. iScience.
Periodontitis, inflammation of the soft tissues and bones that support the teeth, can cause tooth loss. The disease is associated with poor oral hygiene and age-related changes in the immune system and bone regeneration processes. Therefore, low levels of DEL-1 protein have been shown to increase inflammation and impair bone regeneration in the elderly.
In a new study, scientists found that the antibiotic erythromycin can stimulate the production of Del-1, which promotes bone regeneration in aging mice. Its derivative, EM-523, reproduced these effects without having antibacterial properties, keeping side effects to a minimum. Both drugs reduced the activity of osteoclast cells, which break down bone tissue before it can regenerate, and also changed the activity of genes responsible for bone repair. This led to new bone tissue forming in the mice’s jaws and hips.
The findings suggest that manipulating Del-1 production with erythromycin, other macrolide antibiotics, or their derivatives may be a promising approach for bone repair in aging humans, but further research is needed.
Previous scientists I learnedThe load acting on the bones increases bone density in people over 70 years of age.