Cannabinoid compounds reduced inflammation markers in human gum tissue cells | Research

The takeaway

Three different cannabinoid compounds, including anandamide and two synthetic CB2 receptor ligands, reduced inflammatory markers in human periodontal cells stimulated with bacterial and inflammatory triggers.

Read this if you are interested in how cannabinoids might be used to treat gum disease and oral inflammation.

All three cannabinoid compounds reduced inflammation in human gum tissue cells

What the researchers found

Researchers tested three cannabinoid compounds on human periodontal ligament fibroblasts, the cells that anchor teeth to bone. When these cells were stimulated with bacterial toxins (P. gingivalis LPS), TNF-alpha, or IL-1-beta to mimic periodontal inflammation, all three cannabinoids effectively reduced the production of two key inflammatory markers: IL-6 and MCP-1.

The endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA), the CB2-selective agonist HU-308, and the CB2 inverse agonist SMM-189 all demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity. Interestingly, anandamide alone increased IL-6 production without inflammatory stimulation, but in the context of active inflammation, it was suppressive.

The effective concentrations were in the micromolar range, with HU-308 being the most potent (EC50 of 7.3 micromolar) and SMM-189 intermediate (EC50 of 13 micromolar).

Why it matters

About 65 million American adults have periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory condition that causes tooth loss. Current treatments have limitations, and new anti-inflammatory approaches are needed. The finding that cannabinoid receptor ligands, especially those targeting CB2 receptors, can reduce inflammation in the specific cells affected by gum disease opens a potential new avenue for periodontal treatment.

The numbers in context

65 million US adults have periodontitis. EC50 values: anandamide 16 micromolar, SMM-189 13 micromolar, HU-308 7.3 micromolar. All three compounds reduced both IL-6 and MCP-1 production in stimulated cells. Anandamide alone increased IL-6 but not MCP-1.

How the study worked

Primary human periodontal ligament fibroblasts were cultured and exposed to inflammatory stimuli (P. gingivalis LPS, TNF-alpha, IL-1-beta). Cannabinoid compounds at various concentrations were applied, and IL-6 and MCP-1 production were measured using Mesoscale Discovery immunoassay kits. Cytotoxicity was assessed to establish safe concentration ranges.

What this study cannot tell us

This was an in vitro study using isolated cells, not whole tissues or living organisms. The concentrations effective in cell culture may not be achievable in the oral cavity. No animal models or human subjects were tested. The study did not assess whether the anti-inflammatory effects would translate to reduced tissue destruction or improved clinical outcomes.

How to read the evidence

This is an in vitro cell study providing preliminary evidence for a concept that would need animal and human testing to validate.

When this study was published

Published in 2018. Research on cannabinoids in oral health continues to develop.

The bigger picture

This study is part of a broader investigation into the endocannabinoid system's role in oral health. CB2 receptor levels increase during oral inflammation, suggesting the body's endocannabinoid system naturally responds to gum disease. Therapeutic targeting of this system could eventually lead to cannabinoid-based treatments for periodontal inflammation.

Questions still open

Could cannabinoid-based mouth rinses or topical applications deliver effective concentrations to periodontal tissues? Would CB2-targeted compounds avoid the psychoactive effects associated with CB1 activation? How do these findings translate to animal models of periodontal disease?

Common questions

Can cannabis treat gum disease?

This cell study showed that cannabinoid compounds can reduce inflammation in the specific cells affected by gum disease. However, this is very early-stage research. No clinical treatments have been developed or tested in humans based on these findings.

Does smoking cannabis help or hurt gum health?

This study tested purified cannabinoid compounds on cells, not smoked cannabis. Smoking of any kind, including cannabis, is generally associated with worse periodontal health due to heat, smoke particulates, and reduced blood flow to gum tissues.

Read the original research

Anti-inflammatory activity of cannabinoid receptor 2 ligands in primary hPDL fibroblasts.

Archives of oral biology, 87, 79-85

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Abidi, Ammaar H; Presley, Chaela S; Dabbous, Mustafa; Tipton, David A; Mustafa, Suni M; Moore, Bob M. (2018). Anti-inflammatory activity of cannabinoid receptor 2 ligands in primary hPDL fibroblasts.. Archives of oral biology, 87, 79-85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archoralbio.2017.12.005