Asperosaponin VI Regulates Osteogenic Differentiation in High Glucose-Regulated Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells

Periodontitis is a type of chronic inflammation of the periodontal supporting tissues. Alveolar bone renewal is influenced by the periodontal ligament stem cells. Promoting their osteogenic differentiation is one of the ways to treat diabetes-related periodontitis. Asperosaponin VI, a compound with anti-osteoporosis and anti-inflammatory effects, has been studied in this context. However, its potential effects on periodontitis progression were still unclear. In our study, asperosaponin VI promoted the proliferation of periodontal ligament stem cells induced by high glucose, reduced their apoptosis, and contributed to their osteogenic differentiation. Mechanistically, asperosaponin VI activated the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway, and suppression of this pathway reversed the effect of asperosaponin VI on the stem cells. Therefore, we propose that asperosaponin VI could serve as a potential therapeutic agent for periodontitis.