AUTHOR=Cheng Lujin , Ji Xiaowei , Yilihamujiang Huerxidai , Dong Shuya , Mei Long , Lin Guo , Tang Qihan , Gong Zhongcheng 

TITLE=Exogenous Galectin-9 prevents peri-implantitis in rats by regulating macrophage polarization

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pharmacology

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1533468

DOI=10.3389/fphar.2025.1533468

ISSN=1663-9812

ABSTRACT=BackgroundPeri-implantitis (PI) is a common complication of oral implants with no definitive treatment strategy. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are involved in PI by activating macrophages and influencing osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Galactin-9 (Gal-9) is known for its immunomodulatory properties and interactions with macrophage polarization receptors. This study investigated the mechanism of prophylactic exogenous Gal-9 in the prevention and treatment of PI in rats.MethodsMale SD rats with titanium implants were divided into the Control, Saline, and Gal-9 groups. Rats in the Saline group and Gal-9 group were prophylactically administered Gal-9 and Saline, respectively, before inducing PI. Periodontal examinations, X-ray imaging, flow cytometry analyses, and micro-CT evaluations were conducted to assess clinical, imaging, and immunological parameters.ResultsAfter inducing PI, the implant loss rate in the Gal-9 group was lower than that in the Saline group. The gingival index was higher in the Saline group and Gal-9 group compared to the Control group. The bleeding on probing positivity rate was higher in the Saline group than in the other two groups. X-ray and micro-CT images both showed lower alveolar bone resorption in the Gal-9 group than in the Saline group. Flow cytometry showed that the proportions of M1-type macrophages and M2-type macrophages, and M1/M2 ratio were lower in the Gal-9 group than those in the Saline group. Multivariate linear regression indicated that Tb.Th had the greatest impact on the gingival index and Tb.Sp had the greatest impact on the M1/M2 ratio.ConclusionExogenous Gal-9 administration demonstrated promising effects in mitigating inflammation associated with PI in rat models by promoting M2 macrophage polarization and enhancing alveolar bone stability.