Statins with potential to control periodontitis: From biological mechanisms to clinical studies

• Published in: Journal of oral biosciences 2021-09, Vol.63 (3), p.232-244
• Main Authors: de Carvalho, Rafaela Durrer Parolina, Casarin, Renato Côrrea Viana, de Lima, Patricia Oliveira, Cogo-Müller, Karina
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anti-infective agents; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors; Periodontal diseases
• ISSN: 1349-0079
• DOI: 10.1016/j.job.2021.06.002

Statins are widely used for the treatment of hyperlipidemia. However, these drugs have pleiotropic effects that can be promising for the prevention and treatment of oral diseases, such as periodontitis. This review aimed to identify preclinical, observational, and clinical studies that evaluate the effects and biological mechanisms of statins on oral cells and tissues and those using these drugs to treat periodontitis. A literature survey has been conducted in PubMed using combinations of the uniterms: “statins,” “dentistry,” “periodontal disease,” and “periodontal treatment.” In vitro findings showed positive statin results in cell lines related to alveolar bone metabolism by altering the signaling pathway Osteoprotegerin/Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa B/Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa B Ligand (OPG/RANK/RANKL), stimulating the production of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin, and reducing the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Animal studies have shown a reduction in alveolar bone loss and osteoclastic activity, in addition to a reduction in inflammatory markers, such as IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α, when statins were used prophylactically. Clinical trials showed a positive impact on clinical parameters, leading to a higher reduction in probing depth and gain in clinical attachment when a local statin was adjunctively associated with mechanical therapy. Statins were shown to be promising for regenerating and stimulating bone activity, with great potential for treating chronic periodontitis. However, further studies are required to confirm its effectiveness. •Statins have shown host modulator, osteogenic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.•In animal studies, statins reduced alveolar bone loss and osteoclastic activity.•Besides anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, clinical additional improvements were found.•Statins might stimulate the auto-resolutive process, modulating the host's immune response and tissue regeneration.•Based on these benefits, statins emerge as alternative adjunctive therapy for periodontitis.