# Inhibition of Porphyromonas gingivalis-Induced Respiratory Inflammation by an Alkaline Extract of Sasa senanensis Leaves

## TL;DR

A leaf extract from Sasa senanensis reduces inflammation caused by a periodontal bacterium in respiratory tissues, both in human cells and mice.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the anti-inflammatory effects of an alkaline leaf extract against P. gingivalis-induced respiratory inflammation.

## Key findings

- SE reduced IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA and cytokine secretion in human bronchial epithelial cells.
- SE inhibited NF-κB and MAPK pathways, including p38 and JNK, in a dose-dependent manner.
- In mice, SE lowered lung cytokine levels and NF-κB activity after P. gingivalis exposure.

## Abstract

Periodontal pathogens, including Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), are implicated in respiratory inflammatory conditions, and aspirated oral bacterial components may contribute to airway inflammation. This association has prompted the exploration of innovative therapeutic strategies in addition to conventional oral hygiene practices. We evaluated the anti-inflammatory efficacy of an alkaline extract of Sasa senanensis leaves (SE) against heat-inactivated P. gingivalis-induced inflammation in respiratory tissues. In human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B), SE reduced interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 mRNA expression and cytokine secretion in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, SE attenuated nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), indicating broad anti-inflammatory actions. In mice, SE administration decreased early lung cytokine levels and reduced NF-κB activity following intratracheal challenge with heat-inactivated P. gingivalis. Together, these in vitro and in vivo findings indicate that SE suppresses proinflammatory signaling triggered by P. gingivalis components and may serve as a natural adjunct to mitigate bacteria-associated airway inflammatory responses.