CGRP‐Loaded ROS‐Responsive Hydrogel Restores Neuro‐Angiogenic Signaling to Promote Bone Regeneration in Diabetes‐Associated Periodontitis

Abstract

<p>Diabetes exacerbates the development and progression of periodontitis through the aggravation of persistent inflammation and tissue destruction. While the impact of diabetes on peripheral sensory nerves is well-documented, little is known about the role of diabetic neuropathy in bone destruction in diabetes-associated periodontitis. Herein, a significant loss of periodontal nerves is observed in the diabetic state of db/db mice, with trigeminal ganglion neurons showing decreased autophagy. These mice exhibit decreased density of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)⁺ nerves, correlating with the progression of diabetes and inflammatory state. Furthermore, diabetic mice with periodontitis show greater alveolar bone loss, which can be phenocopied by periodontal denervation. Importantly, CGRP receptor-related components are found to be expressed in periodontal endothelial cells. In both diabetic and denervated periodontium, the loss of CGRP signaling is associated with the reduction of type H vessel density and coupled osterix⁺ osteoprogenitors. To elaborate further, an injectable reactive oxygen species-responsive poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/tsPBA hydrogel is developed for sustained CGRP delivery. Notably, the CGRP-loaded hydrogels promote alveolar bone regeneration via inducing type H vessel formation in diabetic mice. The findings highlight that diabetes-induced sensory nerve damage may exacerbate periodontitis-induced bone loss, and CGRP@PVA/tsPBA hydrogels offer a promising therapeutic strategy for bone regeneration.<br></p>