Recent research shows that the antibiotic erythromycin and a derivative that does not attack bacteria can speed up bone healing in older mice, specifically in the jaw and hip areas. The results were reported in a study published by iScience.
Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that targets the soft tissues and the bones supporting the teeth. It often leads to tooth loss and is linked to insufficient oral hygiene as well as age-related shifts in immune response and bone regeneration. In aging individuals, reduced levels of the DEL-1 protein correlate with higher inflammation and slower bone repair processes.
In a new investigation, scientists discovered that erythromycin stimulates the production of Del-1, a protein that fosters bone regeneration in aging mice. A derivative known as EM-523 achieved the same regenerative effects without antibacterial activity, thereby minimizing potential side effects. Both compounds lowered the activity of osteoclasts, the cells that degrade bone tissue, and altered the expression of genes involved in bone repair. The outcome was the formation of new bone tissue in the mice’s jawbones and hip joints.
The study points to a potential strategy for enhancing bone repair in older humans by manipulating Del-1 production with erythromycin, other macrolide antibiotics, or their derivatives. However, additional research is needed to confirm safety and effectiveness in humans.
Earlier work by researchers indicated that mechanical load on bones can influence bone density in individuals over seventy, suggesting that physical factors also play a role in age-related skeletal changes.